Lemon-Dill Cod Fillets with Asparagus
Pan-seared cod fillets with fresh dill and lemon, served atop tender asparagus spears for a light, flavorful meal. This seafood-inspired seafood ready in about 22 minutes pairs cod fillets, trimmed asparagus, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 295 calories and feeds 2, 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.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cod fillets
- 12 oz, trimmed asparagus
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1, juice and 2 tbsp zest lemon
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh dill
- 1 clove, minced garlic
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat cod fillets dry and season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper on both sides.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add asparagus and cook for 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until crisp-tender.
- Step 3: Push asparagus to the side of the skillet. Add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil, then place cod fillets skin-side down in the skillet. Sear for 3 minutes until golden.
- Step 4: Flip cod, add minced garlic, lemon zest, and 2 tbsp lemon juice. Cook for 4 minutes more until cod flakes easily with a fork.
- Step 5: Stir in fresh dill, then transfer asparagus and cod to plates. Drizzle with pan juices and serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Dill Cod Fillets with Asparagus take to make?
Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 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 Lemon-Dill Cod Fillets with Asparagus?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep cod fillets from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Dill Cod Fillets with 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 Lemon-Dill Cod Fillets with Asparagus for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Lemon-Dill Cod Fillets with Asparagus?
Seafood 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Cooked this for my husband's birthday—everyone raved about how bright and fresh it tasted. The dill was the perfect touch.
- ★★★★★
Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner—the lemon-dill sauce made the cod shine, and the asparagus stayed crisp! My kids even ate it without complaining.
- ★★★★☆
Loved the flavors, but the cod needed a few extra minutes to cook through. Next time I'll use a timer!
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