Lemon-Dill Fresh Cod Fillets
Pan-seared cod with bright citrus and herb notes, served with a light lemon-dill sauce. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes pairs cod fillets, medium lemon, chopped fresh dill for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs cod fillets
- 2 medium lemon
- 3 tbsp chopped fresh dill
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 1.5 lbs cod fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with 3/4 tsp sea salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add cod fillets and cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook 3-4 minutes more until opaque and flaky.
- Step 3: Remove cod and set aside. Add 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in 1/4 cup dry white wine and 1/4 cup heavy cream, scraping up browned bits. Simmer for 3 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in 3 tbsp chopped fresh dill and zest from 1 lemon, then spoon sauce over cod.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Dill Fresh Cod Fillets take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Lemon-Dill Fresh Cod Fillets?
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 Fresh Cod Fillets?
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 Fresh Cod Fillets 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 Fresh Cod Fillets?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★☆☆
Average. The concept is good but execution needs work on seasoning.
