Fresh Pacific Northwest lingcod is seasoned with a favorite lemon pepper blend, topped with butter, and finished over a live wood fire on a pellet grill in this Traeger Grilled Lemon Pepper Lingcod recipe. It’s an easy, flavorful dinner that comes together quickly. If lingcod isn’t available, any firm whitefish—halibut, cod, flounder, or sea bass—works well as a substitute.
Traeger Grilled Lemon Pepper Lingcod
Lingcod is a favorite in our kitchen: light, flaky, and full of fresh, clean flavor. It grills beautifully and pairs perfectly with bright lemon and crisp pepper notes. While lingcod is especially common along the Pacific Northwest—often sourced from Washington State and British Columbia—you can confidently use any firm whitefish if you can’t find lingcod locally. The method below is forgiving and highlights the fish without masking it.
Explore more of my Easy Traeger Recipes for simple wood-fired meals.
What is lingcod?
Lingcod is a whitefish native to the Pacific Coast of North America, abundant around Washington State and British Columbia. Despite its name, lingcod is not a true cod. It’s prized for its firm texture and mild, slightly sweet flavor that holds up well to grilling and bold seasonings. One curious trait of lingcod is the occasional bright blue coloring on the skin and flesh when freshly caught—an unusual and striking visual that fades as the fish is cooked.
If you see that vivid blue color when the fish is raw, enjoy the rare sight—the cooked fillet will return to the familiar white and flaky texture we expect from a great grilled fish.
Find more of my fish recipes for simple, fresh seafood meals.
Recipe Shopping List
Below are the basic items you’ll need to prepare this grilled lingcod. Quantities for the recipe are provided in the recipe card further down.
- Neutral oil (for brushing or a light coating)
- Lingcod fillets or another firm whitefish
- Lemon pepper seasoning or a lemon-pepper rub
- Salted butter, cut into small pats
- Optional: fresh lemons for squeezing at the table
Serve This With
Simple sides complement the bright flavors of lemon-pepper lingcod. Choose a whole-grain pilaf or risotto for a richer plate, or keep things light with charred vegetables or a crisp salad. Below are a few classic pairings that balance texture and flavor:
- Wild Rice Pilaf — nutty and hearty
- Mushroom Risotto — creamy and savory
- Grilled Asparagus — bright and smokey
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Recipe FAQ
I typically aim to eat grilled fish fresh, but if you do have leftovers, store them covered in the refrigerator and use within two days for best quality.
Reheating fish is tricky. A gentle approach works best: warm in a low oven or use a sous vide or hot water bath if available to slowly bring the fish up to serving temperature. Avoid high heat, which can dry the fillet.
More Lingcod Recipes
- Pellet Grill Lingcod with Wine and Garlic
- Pan-Seared Lingcod
- Grilled Lingcod
- Crab-Stuffed Lingcod
Grilled Lemon Pepper Lingcod
Fresh lingcod seasoned with lemon pepper and flaky salt, finished with butter and a touch of wood smoke from a pellet grill. Simple, clean, and delicious.
Ingredients
- 8 lingcod fillets
- 3 tablespoons lemon pepper rub
- 8 teaspoons butter, divided into small pats
- Oil for brushing (optional)
- Flaky salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your pellet grill to 375°F following the manufacturer’s guidelines.
- Pat the fillets dry with paper towels. Arrange them on a grill mat or on parchment-lined sheet for easier handling.
- Brush lightly with oil if desired, then season liberally with lemon pepper and a sprinkle of flaky salt. Place small pats of butter on each fillet.
- Grill the fish for 8–10 minutes, depending on thickness. The center should be opaque and the fish should flake easily with a fork when done.
- Remove from the grill, let rest briefly, and serve with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Calories: 276 • Total Fat: 19g • Saturated Fat: 9g • Unsaturated Fat: 10g • Cholesterol: 95mg • Sodium: 1263mg • Carbohydrates: 1g • Fiber: 1g • Protein: 23g
Nutrition data provided here is only an estimate.