Lemon-Dill Cod with Sautéed Asparagus

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

Pan-seared cod fillets with bright lemon-dill sauce, served atop tender asparagus spears for a light, elegant dinner. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 27 minutes pairs cod fillets, asparagus, lemon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 315 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.

★ 4.5 (11 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 American cuisine 315 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat cod dry with paper towels and season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Sear cod for 4 minutes per side until golden and flakes easily. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil.
  3. Step 3: In same skillet, heat remaining 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add asparagus and cook for 5 minutes until crisp-tender, stirring occasionally.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in white wine and simmer for 2 minutes to reduce by half.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp fresh dill, and butter until melted. Return cod to skillet and coat with sauce. Cook for 1 minute to reheat.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Dill Cod with Sautéed Asparagus take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 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 with Sautéed 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 Lemon-Dill Cod with Sautéed 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 with Sautéed 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.

What goes well with Lemon-Dill Cod with Sautéed Asparagus?

American 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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