Lemon-Dill Pan-Seared Cod with Roasted Asparagus

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

Flaky cod fillets with a bright citrus-herb crust, paired with tender roasted asparagus for a vibrant weeknight meal. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 35 minutes pairs (6 oz) pieces cod fillets, divided olive oil, zest and juice lemon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 4 (6 oz) cod fillets dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix 1 tsp lemon zest, 1/2 tsp dried dill, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Rub the mixture evenly over both sides of the cod, then drizzle with 1 tbsp lemon juice.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place the seasoned cod fillets in the skillet, skin-side down if present, and cook for 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook for 3-4 minutes more until the fish is opaque and flakes easily.
  3. Step 3: Toss 1 bunch trimmed asparagus with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast at 425°F for 12-15 minutes until tender-crisp. Serve cod topped with asparagus.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Dill Pan-Seared Cod with Roasted Asparagus take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Pan-Seared Cod with Roasted 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 (6 oz) pieces cod fillets from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Dill Pan-Seared Cod with Roasted 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 Pan-Seared Cod with Roasted 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 Pan-Seared Cod with Roasted 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.

What others are saying

Related recipes