Lemon-Dill Poached Cod with Asparagus

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

A delicate, fragrant dish of cod simmered in a bright lemon-dill broth, paired with tender asparagus spears. This Mediterranean-inspired seafood recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs Cod fillets, Fresh dill, Lemon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 12 oz asparagus, season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, and cook for 5-6 minutes until crisp-tender, turning occasionally; set aside.
  2. Step 2: Add 1/2 cup white wine and 1/2 cup chicken stock to the skillet, bringing to a gentle simmer. Add 1 lemon (sliced) and 2 tbsp chopped dill, then place 12 oz cod fillets on top. Simmer for 8-10 minutes until cod is opaque and flakes easily.
  3. Step 3: Remove cod and lemon slices from skillet. Transfer asparagus to a serving plate, top with cod, and drizzle with the sauce. Stir 1 tbsp butter into the sauce until melted for richness.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Dill Poached Cod with Asparagus 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 Poached Cod with 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 Poached Cod 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 Poached Cod 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 Poached Cod with Asparagus?

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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