Cedar-plank grilling is an exceptional way to cook fish without fear of overcooking. Hints of wood smoke penetrate the flesh to add depth while retaining moisture. Cod is commonly available already smoked in many stores, but it can often taste oversalted and dry. Our version suggests using fresh cod from Iceland; grilling on soaked cedar provides smoky overtones while keeping it moist and tasty. Delicious with a new-potato salad and grilled veggies.
Best beer? With the smoky chipotle and orange glaze, this dish is delicious paired with a fresh honey lager or crisp pilsner.
Shake up your cedar plank
Cedar-plank grilling can provide variety by soaking planks in liquids other than water. Options such as beer, cider, wine, or sake infuse subtle and intriguing hints of flavour to whatever you’re grilling.
Grilled Citrus Chipotle Icelandic Cod
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless Icelandic cod loin or fillets
- 1 tsp (5 mL) cumin seeds
- 1 tsp (5 mL) fennel seeds
- 1/2 tsp (2 mL) flaked sea salt
- 2 navel oranges, divided
- 1 Tbsp (15 mL) grapeseed oil
- 1 Tbsp (15 mL) maple syrup
- 2 tsp (10 mL) liquid from can of chipotle chilies
- Freshly ground black pepper
Nutrition
Per serving:
- calories166
- protein21 g
- total fat 5 g
- sat. fat0 g
- total carbohydrates9 g
- sugars7 g
- fibre0 g
- sodium375 mg
Directions
01
About 4 hours before cooking, place 10 in (25 cm) cedar plank in water to thoroughly soak. Weigh it down with cans or something heavy to keep it submerged. While wood soaks, cut cod into 4 or 8 even-sized pieces. Place on small baking sheet.
02
With mortar and pestle, grind cumin and fennel seeds and salt until fine. Transfer to small bowl. Whisk in juice from 1 orange, oil, syrup, and chipotle liquid. Evenly brush over cod pieces.
03
Preheat barbecue to 350 F (180 C). On soaked cedar plank, place cod pieces, evenly spaced apart. Thinly slice remaining orange into rounds and arrange on top of cod. Place plank on grill and close lid. Barbecue cod for 20 to 25 minutes, depending on thickness of flesh. Keep a spray bottle with water handy to put out any flare-ups from the wood plank. You want the wood to smoke—not catch fire. Avoid spraying water directly on fish. Fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and its centre is almost no longer translucent. Remove plank and cod from grill using long spatula and place on baking sheet.
READ THIS NEXT
SEE MORE »
Strawberry Carpaccio
This simple dessert celebrates the glory that is the summer strawberry. Don’t feel you have to stick to strawberries here; swapping them for ripe peaches would also make for a stunning ending to any meal. What to gild the lily with? Add a dollop of whipped coconut cream or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream. Flower power Orange blossom water (also known as orange flower water) is produced by water distillation of the blossoms of a bitter orange tree. Just like rose water, a little goes a long way. So, take care and use just a drop or two, tasting as you go so as not to overwhelm but rather to complement the other flavours in a dish.
Greek Turkey Burger Bites
Ever thought about making burgers as an appetizer or as a potluck meal for friends and family? Try making your favourite burger into bite-sized portions. They might be small in size, but they won’t be small in flavour. These burgers also pair well with a Greek salad for a delicious mid-week lunch or dinner. Fresh is best Squeeze fresh lemon on patties while cooking to give them the fresh zing of citrus.
Italian Portobello Mushroom Burger with Artichoke Tapenade
What worldwide vacation is complete without a stop in Italy? Dad won’t miss the meat in this flavourful mushroom alternative complete with Italian spices and a zesty vegetable tapenade. Portobellos have a uniquely “meaty” texture and act as a sponge to lock in loads of flavour. This meaty plant-based burger is sure to become a favourite—even with any meat-lovers in your life. Custom-made! Don’t be afraid to customize your burger buns to fit your patties. If your bun’s too big, trim off excess and save the trimmed bits of bread, but don’t discard. Instead, cut into small cubes; drizzle with some olive oil, sea salt, and seasonings of choice; bake at 350 F (180 C) for 10 to 15 minutes, and you’ll have delicious homemade croutons for use in soups and salads throughout the week.
Asian Shrimp Burger with Bean Sprout Slaw and Fresh Mango
Next stop, Asia! This shrimp burger combines classic Asian flavours with unique toppings for rich umami flavour with the saltiness of the ocean. Whether served on a bun or over rice in a more traditional Asian-style meal, try some unique miso yogurt or wasabi mayo dressing for a fabulous flavour bomb. Keep those burgers juicy Place raw patties on a plate or tray, and cover and freeze or refrigerate for 15 to 30 minutes to keep them together and to lock in moisture.