Grilled Cod with Aubergine
Prep
20 mins
Cook
25 mins
Servings
4
Difficulty
Medium
This is one of my favorite weeknight dinners because it comes together in under an hour and tastes like you've spent all day cooking. Cod is such a lean, protein rich fish that makes you feel good about what you're eating, and when you pair it with roasted aubergine, you've got a restaurant quality meal that's actually quite simple. The garlic and fresh thyme create this amazing aromatic base, while the lemon brightens everything up perfectly. You really don't need much more than what's in your pantry to make this feel special and impressive.
Ella x
Ingredients
- 4cod fillets(6 oz each, skin-on)
- 2 mediumaubergine(cut lengthwise into 1/2-inch planks)
- 6 tablespoonsextra virgin olive oil
- 2lemon(1 juiced, 1 sliced)
- 6garlic cloves(thinly sliced)
- 2 tablespoonsfresh thyme(chopped)
- 1 teaspoonsea salt
- 1 teaspoonblack pepper
- 1 teaspoonred pepper flakes
- 3 tablespoonsfresh parsley(chopped)
Detail level
Instructions
- 1
Heat grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F). While heating, brush aubergine planks generously on both sides with 2 tablespoons olive oil and season with half the salt and pepper.
Tip: Salting aubergine a few minutes before grilling helps draw out excess moisture and prevents sogginess.
- 2
Grill aubergine planks for 4-5 minutes per side until deeply charred with grill marks and tender. Transfer to a serving platter.
Tip: Don't move the aubergine around too much on the grill; let it sit to develop that beautiful caramelization.
- 3
Pat cod fillets dry with paper towels and rub skin-side with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Season both sides with remaining salt, pepper, and half the thyme.
Tip: Dry fish ensures better browning and crispier skin when grilled.
- 4
Place cod skin-side down on oiled grill grates. Cook for 5-6 minutes without moving, until skin is crispy. Carefully flip and cook 2-3 minutes more until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily.
Tip: Don't flip too early; the skin will release naturally when it's ready.
- 5
While cod finishes cooking, warm the remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add sliced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden and fragrant, then remove from heat.
Tip: Watch the garlic carefully to avoid burning, which makes it bitter.
- 6
Drizzle the garlic oil over the aubergine on the serving platter. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over everything and sprinkle with remaining thyme, chopped parsley, and red pepper flakes.
Tip: Reserve a few lemon slices to garnish the plate for visual appeal.
- 7
Arrange grilled cod fillets skin-side up alongside the aubergine. Serve immediately while everything is hot and the flavors are vibrant.
Recipe Variations
Get AI-powered ingredient substitution suggestions.
You Might Also Like
Beergarita
My go to drink for summer gatherings is this refreshing Beergarita, and let me tell you, it's a total crowd pleaser. The combination of tequila, triple sec, fresh lime juice, and a cold Corona creates something that tastes way more complicated than it actually is. Lime juice is packed with vitamin C, which is great for your immune system, and the whole thing takes just five minutes to throw together. Best part? It's incredibly budget friendly since you're probably already stocking most of these ingredients anyway.
Tropical Quinoa
This tropical quinoa bowl has become my go to weeknight dinner because it comes together in just forty minutes and tastes like a mini vacation on a plate. Quinoa is one of my favorite ingredients since it's a complete protein with all nine essential amino acids, making it so satisfying and perfect for keeping energy levels steady. The combination of papaya, red bell pepper, and fresh cilantro brings vibrant flavors and colors, while the rice wine vinegar and orange zest add just the right brightness. Best part is the ingredient list is simple and affordable, yet feels fancy enough to impress anyone at your table.
Coconut & raspberry crush
Have you tried making a drink that's both refreshing and genuinely good for you? This coconut and raspberry crush is my go to when I want something special without the fuss. The best part is how quick it comes together in just ten minutes of prep. Coconut water is absolutely fantastic for hydration, packed with natural electrolytes that your body actually needs. I love combining it with tart raspberries and a hint of mint for that perfect balance of sweet and zingy. It's simple, it's delicious, and honestly, it feels like you're treating yourself to something fancy.
Reviews
Sign in to write a review.