A Sweet and Sour Surprise
I first tried this dish at my friend Marie’s house. She used grapefruit from her tree. I thought fish with fruit was a strange idea. But one bite changed my mind. The sweet honey and sour grapefruit were perfect together. I still laugh at how wrong I was.
This recipe matters because it teaches us to try new things. Our taste buds can be surprised in the best way. It is a gentle lesson on a plate. What is the strangest food combo you have ever tried and loved?
Why This Fish Works
Alaska cod is a wonderful fish. It is mild and flakes apart so nicely. It does not have a strong “fishy” taste. This makes it a great friend for our bold grapefruit glaze. The fish just soaks up all that good flavor.
Baking the fish on grapefruit slices is my favorite trick. It keeps the bottom moist. It also lets a little citrus steam rise up. Doesn’t that smell amazing? This step makes the whole dish feel special.
The Magic of the Glaze
Let’s talk about that glaze. You just mix juice, honey, and salt. Then you let it bubble away. It gets thick and shiny. Watching it transform is like a little kitchen magic show.
*Fun fact*: Honey has been used in cooking for thousands of years. Ancient people loved its sweetness, just like we do. This recipe matters because making the glaze teaches patience. Good things come to those who wait by the stove.
A Splash of Sunshine
The salsa is like a little splash of sunshine. It is just grapefruit chunks, a bit of oil, and cilantro. The fresh, bright taste cuts through the rich, sweet fish. It makes everything on your plate feel alive.
I love how the red and pink grapefruit pieces look. They are so cheerful. Are you a fan of cilantro, or does it taste like soap to you? I know it is a tricky herb for some folks.
The Cozy Coconut Rice
Now for the rice. Cooking jasmine rice in coconut milk makes it so creamy. It feels like a cozy blanket for your belly. The gentle coconut flavor is a quiet friend to the zesty fish.
You must stir it often. This keeps it from sticking. I use this time to think. It is a quiet moment in a busy kitchen. Do you have a favorite cozy food that makes you feel calm?
Putting It All Together
When everything is ready, the fun begins. Place a scoop of that creamy rice on a plate. Lay a glazed cod fillet right on top. Then spoon the bright salsa over everything. The colors and smells are a true feast.
This final step is the most important. It is about bringing different flavors and textures together. A meal is more than just food. It is a feeling of care and joy shared with others.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh Grapefruit Juice | 1/4 Cup | For the glaze |
| Honey | 1/2 Cup | For the glaze |
| Sea Salt | 1/4 teaspoon | For the glaze |
| Alaska Cod Fillets | 2 lbs | |
| Grapefruits | 2 | Sliced, for baking sheet |
| Olive Oil | As needed | For coating baking sheet and fish |
| Salt/Pepper | To taste | |
| Grapefruit | 1 | Cut into chunks, for salsa |
| Mild Flavored Oil (e.g., Avocado) | 1 teaspoon | For salsa |
| Sea Salt | Small Pinch | For salsa |
| Fresh Chopped Cilantro | To taste | For salsa |
| Canned Lite Coconut Milk | 28 ounces | For rice |
| Jasmine Rice | 1 Cup | |
| Sea Salt | Generous Pinch | For rice |
A Sweet & Sunny Supper
I love finding a little sunshine in the kitchen. This dish does just that. It reminds me of a bright spring day. The grapefruit and honey make the fish taste so fresh. It feels like a special treat, but it is quite simple to make. My grandson always asks for this one. He says it tastes like a vacation.
Let’s start with our sweet and tangy glaze. Step 1: Pour the grapefruit juice, honey, and salt into a small pot. Turn the heat to medium. Let it come to a happy little boil. Whisk it now and then. You will see it slowly get thicker. It takes about 12 minutes. I still laugh at the time I burned this. I was watching the birds out the window! (A hard-learned tip: set a timer! It needs your full attention.)
Now, let’s get our fish ready for its cozy bed. Step 2: Slice your grapefruits and lay them on an oiled baking sheet. Doesn’t that smell amazing? Drizzle a bit more oil on them. Then, rub your cod fillets with oil, salt, and pepper. Place each fillet right on top of the grapefruit slices. They will steam and get so flavorful. This is my favorite little trick.
Step 3: Pop the pan into a 400°F oven. Bake for about 10 minutes. The fish should just start to flake. Now, take your beautiful glaze and slather it all over the fish. Turn your oven to broil. Broil for just 3-4 minutes. Watch it closely! You want a lovely, golden-brown top. What’s your favorite fish to cook with? Share below!
While the fish bakes, let’s make the rest. Step 4: For the rice, pour coconut milk into a pan. Add your rice and salt. Bring it to a light boil, then turn the heat down. Stir it often for about 20 minutes. It becomes so creamy and dreamy. Step 5: The salsa is the easiest part. Just mix the grapefruit chunks, oil, salt, and cilantro. I like to do this first so the flavors can get to know each other.
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Dinner, Seafood
Make It Your Own
The best recipes are the ones you can play with. Here are a few fun twists on our grapefruit cod. I think changing a recipe is how you make it yours. My neighbor tried the spicy version and loved it. It’s fun to see what everyone creates.
Spicy Sunshine: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze. It gives it a nice little kick!
Herb Garden: Use fresh thyme or rosemary on the fish instead of cilantro. So fragrant.
Tropical Swap: Try using oranges or tangerines instead of grapefruit. It will be a bit sweeter.
Which one would you try first? Comment below!
Setting Your Table
This dish is so pretty on a plate. I love serving it with the creamy coconut rice right alongside. The bright salsa on top of the glazed fish looks just beautiful. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is perfect with it. The crisp greens balance the sweet fish so well.
For a drink, a chilled glass of crisp Sauvignon Blanc is lovely for the grown-ups. For a special non-alcoholic treat, I make grapefruit sparklers. Just mix grapefruit juice with a little sparkling water. It feels so festive. Which would you choose tonight?
Storing Your Grapefruit Glazed Cod
Let’s talk about keeping this lovely fish. Let the cod cool completely first. Then store it in a sealed container in the fridge. It will be good for two days.
I do not recommend freezing the cooked fish. It can get a little watery when it thaws. But you can freeze the glaze all by itself. I once made a double batch of the glaze. It was a lifesaver on a busy weeknight.
Batch cooking saves you time and money. It means a good meal is always close by. To reheat, warm the cod gently in the oven. This keeps it from getting tough. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!
Simple Fixes for Common Problems
Is your glaze too thin? Just let it boil a bit longer. It will thicken as it cools. A good glaze sticks to your fish nicely.
Worried about dry fish? Do not overcook it. The fish is done when it just starts to flake. I remember when I first cooked cod. I left it in too long. It was a bit rubbery.
If your rice is too thick, add a splash of water. Stir it well while it cooks. Getting the rice right makes the whole meal better. It builds your confidence in the kitchen. Which of these problems have you run into before?
Your Quick Questions Answered
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Q: Can I make any part ahead?
A: You can make the glaze and salsa a day early.
Q: What if I do not like cilantro?
A: Use fresh parsley or mint instead. It will still be delicious.
Q: Can I double this recipe?
A: Absolutely. Just use two baking sheets for the fish.
Q: Any optional tips?
A: A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a nice little kick. *Fun fact: Grapefruit is packed with vitamin C!* Which tip will you try first?
A Little Note From My Kitchen
I hope you love this sunny, bright dish. It always reminds me of a warm spring day. Cooking for others is a way to share love.
I would be so happy to see your creation. It makes my day to see your kitchen adventures. Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest!
Happy cooking! —Grace Ellington.
Grapefruit Honey Glazed Baked Cod
Description
A vibrant and flavorful dish featuring Alaska cod baked on a bed of grapefruit slices with a sweet and tangy grapefruit honey glaze, served with coconut jasmine rice and a fresh grapefruit salsa.
Ingredients
Glaze:
Cod:
Salsa:
Rice:
Instructions
- For the Glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, bring glaze ingredients to a boil. Boil while whisking for 12-13 minutes or until mixture reduces by half. Remove from heat. Set aside to thicken while preparing fish.
- For the Cod: Preheat oven to 400°F. Coat a rimmed baking sheet with olive oil. Layer sliced grapefruit on baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil. Lightly coat cod with olive oil, salt and pepper. Place fillets on top of grapefruit slices. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until fish just begins to flake. (time varies depending on thickness). Slather fillets with glaze. Broil on high 3-4 minutes or until tops are lightly browned.
- For the Rice: In a medium saute pan, bring coconut milk, salt and rice to a light boil. Reduce heat to medium/low. Cook for 18-20 minutes while stirring frequently. Remove from heat once rice reaches desired tenderness. (Add a splash of water if rice requires additional cooking).
- For the Salsa: Combine all salsa ingredients and refrigerate while preparing fish.
Notes
- Serve the baked cod over the coconut jasmine rice and top with the fresh grapefruit salsa for a complete meal.
