Discover the ultimate smoked cod recipe! Perfectly seasoned and grilled to perfection. Impress your guests with this mouthwatering dish.
Course
Main Course
Prep Time30minutes
Cook Time2hours
Servings4
Ingredients
2poundsfresh cod fillets
For the Brine:
4cupscold water
1/4cupkosher salt
1/4cupgranulated sugar
2clovesgarlicsmashed
1lemonsliced
1bay leaf
1teaspoonblack peppercorns
2sprigs fresh thyme
For the Lemon Butter Sauce:
1/2cupunsalted butter
2clovesgarlicminced
Zest of 1 lemon
Juice of 1 lemon
1tablespoonfresh parsleychopped
Salt and black pepperto taste
Instructions
Brining
Combine the cold water, kosher salt, granulated sugar, smashed garlic cloves, lemon slices, bay leaf, black peppercorns, and fresh thyme in a large mixing bowl. Stir until the sugar and salt are completely dissolved.
Place the cod fillets into a large resealable plastic bag.
Pour the brine mixture into the bag with the cod. Seal the bag and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours, or overnight for the best flavor.
Preparing the Smoker
Before you're ready to smoke the cod, prepare your smoker according to its instructions. Preheat it to a temperature of 200-225°F (95-110°C).
Add the wood or pellets of your choice to the smoker. Remember the wood recommendations from earlier: Alderwood for a mild flavor, Applewood for a fruity touch, Hickory for boldness, and Mesquite for some heat.
Smoking the Cod
Remove the cod from the brine, pat it dry with paper towels, and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes.
Place the cod fillets on the smoker racks, leaving some space between each piece for the smoke to circulate.
Close the smoker and let the magic happen. Smoke the cod at the preheated temperature for 2-3 hours, or until the fish is golden and flakes easily.
Making the Lemon Butter Sauce
While the cod is smoking, let's whip up that zesty lemon butter sauce. In a saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter.
Add the minced garlic and cook for a minute or until fragrant. Be careful not to brown the garlic.
Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and fresh chopped parsley. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Keep it warm until you're ready to serve.
Serving
Once your cod is perfectly smoked and ready, remove it from the smoker. Let it rest for a few minutes.
Gently transfer the smoked cod fillets to a serving platter. Use a basting brush to coat them with the delicious lemon butter sauce generously.
Serve your smoked cod hot, garnished with extra lemon slices and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.