Smoked Cod Recipe

Smoked Cod

If you’re looking to add some variety to your backyard BBQ game, then smoked cod is a must-try recipe. This delicious and healthy dish is perfect for a light lunch or dinner and is sure to impress your guests with its smoky and savory flavor.

Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or a beginner, this recipe is easy to make and will quickly become a favorite in your repertoire. To smoke the perfect cod fillets, you’ll need a few essential tools and equipment. First and foremost, you’ll need a pellet smoker to achieve that classic smoky flavor. You’ll also need a fish flipper and a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the fish is just right.

While smoking cod fish fillets may seem daunting at first, this smoked cod recipe is actually quite simple and can be completed in just a few hours. The marinade takes just minutes to prepare, and once the fish is in the smoker, all you need to do is sit back and let it cook to perfection.

Cod itself is rich in nutrients, but pairing it with some tasty sides elevates the flavor and takes your dish to a whole new level. We recommend adding sautéed vegetables or Smoked Asparagus on the side for dinner everyone in the family will love.

So, if you’re ready to take your BBQ game to the next level, grab your pellet smoker and get ready to enjoy some seriously tasty and healthy smoked cod.

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What is Cod?

Cod is a type of fish that is commonly found in the North Atlantic and is known for being a mild flavor fish with a flaky texture. It is a popular fish for cooking due to its versatility and ability to take on different flavors.

Smoked cod recipe is a great way to enhance its mild flavor and add a smoky depth to the fish. When smoking a cod fillet, the fish is exposed to low and slow heat, which allows the smoke to infuse into it and give it a unique and delicious taste. This slow-cooking method ensures that the fish stays moist and tender while developing a crispy outer layer.

Smoked cod recipe is an excellent alternative to smoked trout, which is another popular type of smoked fish. While smoked trout has a more assertive and distinct flavor, smoked cod has a milder taste that pairs well with a range of other flavors.

Additionally, cod fillets are larger than trout fillets, making them a great choice for feeding a larger group of people or for meal prep. Overall, smoking cod is a great way to elevate a mild-flavored fish and create a delicious and flavorful dish.

How To Make Smoked Cod

Step 1: Preheat Smoker

Before you start cooking, make sure your pellet smoker is preheated to the recommended temperature of 225°F. This is the ideal temperature for smoking fish low and slow, as it allows the fish to cook slowly and absorb the smoky flavor.

Step 2: Marinate Cod Fish

To add a delicious flavor to your smoked cod, first, mix all of the marinade ingredients together in a bowl. The fresh ginger, chili garlic sauce, soy sauce, and honey combine to create a sweet and spicy marinade that perfectly complements the mild flavor of the cod.

Place the fillets and marinade in a sealed plastic bag, making sure to coat the fish evenly with the marinade. Let the fish marinate in the fridge for 2-3 hours, or at least an hour, to ensure that it absorbs the maximum amount of flavor.

Step 3: Smoke Cod

After the cod has marinated, it’s time to smoke it. Remove the fillets from the marinade and place them directly on the grill grates. If the cod still has skin on one side, place it skin-side down to ensure that it cooks evenly. The grill grates should be clean and oiled to prevent sticking.

Close the lid of the smoker and smoke the cod for 45-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature of the fish and ensure that it is fully cooked. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets.

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!

After the cod has finished smoking, remove it from the grill grates and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Smoked cod goes well with a side of roasted vegetables or a salad for a healthy and complete meal. Enjoy your delicious and flavorful smoked cod, made on a pellet smoker.

Tips For Making Smoked Cod Recipe

If you’re new to smoking fish, the idea of smoking cod fillets on a pellet smoker might seem intimidating. However, with the right recipe and some helpful tips, even beginners can achieve delicious and perfectly smoked fish. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, these tips are sure to help you create a delicious and flavorful dish that everyone will love.

Wood Pellets

If you want to add an extra layer of flavor to your smoked cod, consider using a different type of wood pellet for your smoker. Hickory, mesquite, and applewood are all great options that can add a unique and delicious taste to your fish.

Don’t Over-Marinate

While it’s important to give the marinade enough time to infuse into the fish, leaving the fish in the marinade for too long can make it too salty or overpowering. Aim for about 2 hours.

Oil The Skin

If you’re cooking skin-on cod fillets, be sure to oil the skin lightly before placing them on the grill grates. This will help prevent the skin from sticking and make it easier to remove the fish from the smoker.

Best Beer To Pair With Smoked Cod

As a barbecue blogger and avid beer lover, I can tell you that finding the perfect beer to pair with your smoked cod is essential to a complete and satisfying meal. Here are my top three favorite beer styles that complement the flavors of this recipe:

American Pale Ale

The hoppy bitterness of an American Pale Ale cuts through the smoky richness of the cod, making it a perfect pairing for this recipe. The citrus and floral notes of the hops complement the fresh and tangy flavors of the marinade and add a refreshing balance to the dish.

Belgian Witbier

A crisp and light-bodied Belgian Witbier is another great option for pairing with smoked cod. The fruity and spicy notes of the beer match the subtle sweetness of the marinade and add a refreshing and tangy quality to the dish. Plus, the effervescence of the beer helps to cleanse the palate between bites.

English Brown Ale

A malty and nutty English Brown Ale is an ideal beer to pair with the smoky and savory flavors of the smoked cod. The toasty and caramel notes of the beer complement the rich and hearty texture of the fish, making for a comforting and flavorful meal.

Smoked Cod

Smoked Cod Recipe

Delicious and flavorful Smoked Cod you can try at home.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Equipment

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cod loin fillets
  • 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger
  • 1 tbsp chili garlic sauce (similar to sriracha)
  • coarse sea salt (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your pellet smoker to 225°F. Make sure your smoker is clean and ready to go.
  • Mix all ingredients for the marinade (fresh ginger, chili garlic sauce, soy sauce, and honey)
  • Place cod and marinade in a sealed bag and let marinate for 2-3 hours
  • Place the fillets directly on the grill grates, skin-side down if applicable.
  • Close the lid of the smoker and smoke the cod for 45-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
  • Serve the smoked cod hot, with a side of roasted vegetables or a salad for a healthy and complete meal.
Keyword Cod, fish

Smoked Cod FAQs

Does Smoked Cod Need To Be Soaked?

Yes. If you’re not marinating the fish, it needs to soak in salt water brine mixture for 3 – 4 hours before smoking. If you’re opting for this method instead of the seafood marinade we recommend, make sure you pat the fish dry before smoking.

Why Is Smoked Cod Yellow?

Codfish is typically an off-white colour. When you smoke white meat, it gives a yellow-brownish hue but stays white on the inside. The outer crust is exposed to heat and gets crisp, thus reflecting a yellow colour. a yellow-brownish hue but stays white on the inside. The outer crust is exposed to heat and gets crisp, thus reflecting a yellow colour.

How Do You De-Salt Cod Fast?

Rinse your cod fillets thoroughly by placing them in a small bowl of water in the refrigerator. Change the water every 30 minutes for around 2 hours total. Wrap the pieces in a paper towel and pat dry.

Does Smoked Fish Go Bad?

Smoked fish will go bad if left out for a long period of time. When smoked fish is stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator, it can last between 1 and 2 weeks.

What Temperature Do You Smoke Cod At?

Cod is best smoked at a temperature of 225ºF. It’s important to routinely check your grill to ensure it is at the optimal cooking temperature.

Which Smoker Is Best For Smoked Cod?

We would recommend a pellet smoker for beginners. It comes with a wide range of functionalities that are useful for smoking a huge range of dishes.

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