Half-and-Half Poached Cod with Lemon and Dill

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

Delicate cod fillets gently poached in half-and-half with fresh lemon and dill, offering a tender and flavorful seafood dish. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs cod fillets, half-and-half, water for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 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: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large skillet, combine 2 cups half-and-half, 1 cup water, and 4 lemon slices. Heat gently over medium heat until just below a simmer.
  2. Step 2: Season 4 cod fillets (5 oz each) with 1 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp white pepper. Submerge the fillets carefully into the hot half-and-half mixture.
  3. Step 3: Poach the cod for 8-10 minutes, spooning the liquid over the fillets occasionally, until the fish is opaque and flakes easily.
  4. Step 4: Remove cod gently to a warm plate. Stir 2 tbsp unsalted butter and 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill into the poaching liquid over low heat until melted and fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Spoon the dill lemon sauce over the cod fillets to serve.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Half-and-Half Poached Cod with Lemon and Dill 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 Half-and-Half Poached Cod with Lemon and Dill?

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 Half-and-Half Poached Cod with Lemon and Dill?

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 Half-and-Half Poached Cod with Lemon and Dill 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.

What goes well with Half-and-Half Poached Cod with Lemon and Dill?

Mediterranean seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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