Baked Cod with Lemon-Garlic Asparagus

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender baked cod fillets paired with bright lemon and garlic roasted asparagus, perfect for a Whole30 dinner. This Mediterranean-inspired Whole30 recipe (gluten free), ready in about 25 minutes, pairs cod fillets, asparagus spears, lemon zest for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 270 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a Whole30 week and pairs well with roasted sweet potato or a simple olive-oil salad. 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 270 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. On a large rimmed baking sheet, toss 1 lb trimmed asparagus spears with 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Spread asparagus in a single layer on one side of the sheet.
  2. Step 2: Pat dry 4 cod fillets (6 oz each) and place on the other side of the baking sheet. Drizzle cod with remaining 1 tbsp olive oil, sprinkle with 1/2 tsp sea salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp lemon zest, and 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice.
  3. Step 3: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork and asparagus is tender-crisp.
  4. Step 4: Remove from oven and garnish cod and asparagus with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Cod with Lemon-Garlic Asparagus take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Baked Cod with Lemon-Garlic Asparagus?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Cod with Lemon-Garlic Asparagus?

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-Garlic Asparagus for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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-Garlic Asparagus whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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