Baked Cod with Lemon-Dill Sauce and Toasted Almond Crust
Flaky cod fillets baked with a tangy lemon-dill sauce and a nutty almond crust for a light yet satisfying dinner. This mediterranean-inspired keto (low-carb, gluten-free) ready in about 29 minutes blends cod fillets, avocado oil, medium lemon into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 1, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 6 oz cod fillets
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 medium lemon
- 2 tbsp fresh dill
- 3 tbsp heavy cream
- 2 tbsp almonds
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat 6 oz cod fillets dry with paper towels and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush with 2 tbsp avocado oil, then season evenly with 1/4 tsp sea salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Squeeze juice from 1 medium lemon over the cod, then scatter 2 tbsp fresh dill evenly over the top. Bake for 12-14 minutes until the cod flakes easily with a fork.
- Step 3: While cod bakes, whisk 3 tbsp heavy cream with the remaining lemon zest and 1 tbsp dill in a small bowl. In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast 2 tbsp almonds for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant, then finely chop.
- Step 4: Remove cod from oven and drizzle with the lemon-dill cream sauce. Sprinkle with chopped toasted almonds and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Baked Cod with Lemon-Dill Sauce and Toasted Almond Crust take to make?
Total time is about 29 minutes (15 min prep + 14 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Baked Cod with Lemon-Dill Sauce and Toasted Almond Crust?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Cod with Lemon-Dill Sauce and Toasted Almond Crust?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Baked Cod with Lemon-Dill Sauce and Toasted Almond Crust for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Baked Cod with Lemon-Dill Sauce and Toasted Almond Crust low-carb?
Yes — this recipe is tagged low-carb, gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.
- ★★★★★
The flavors in this baked are incredible.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 14-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.