Budget Baked Cod with Lemon-Dill Crust

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

A simple yet elegant baked cod recipe featuring a zesty lemon and dill crust, ideal for a light dinner. This french-inspired seafood (dairy-free) ready in about 35 minutes pairs cod fillets, lemons, fresh dill for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 French cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Step 2: Zest 2 lemons and juice 1 lemon (about 2 tbsp juice). Finely chop 2 tbsp fresh dill and 2 minced garlic cloves.
  3. Step 3: In a bowl, mix 3 tbsp olive oil with 2 tbsp lemon zest, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  4. Step 4: Place cod fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the lemon-dill mixture evenly over the top of each fillet.
  5. Step 5: Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the fish is flaky and the crust is golden and slightly caramelized. Serve immediately with steamed vegetables or crusty bread.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Budget Baked Cod with Lemon-Dill Crust take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 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 Budget Baked Cod with Lemon-Dill Crust?

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 Budget Baked Cod with Lemon-Dill 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 Budget Baked Cod with Lemon-Dill Crust 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 Budget Baked Cod with Lemon-Dill Crust dairy-free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged dairy-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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