Lemon-Garlic Baked Cod with Asparagus
Flaky cod fillets baked with fresh lemon and garlic, served with tender asparagus for a light, flavorful meal. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (pescatarian) ready in about 27 minutes pairs (6 ounces each) cod fillets, ounces asparagus, tablespoons olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 240 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
- 4 (6 ounces each) cod fillets
- 12 ounces asparagus
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. Trim asparagus stems and arrange in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Step 2: Dice 1 lemon into thin slices and mince 2 garlic cloves. Toss asparagus with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
- Step 3: Place cod fillets on the asparagus, drizzle with remaining olive oil, and top with lemon slices, minced garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon dried oregano.
- Step 4: Bake for 15-18 minutes until cod flakes easily with a fork and asparagus is tender-crisp.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Garlic Baked Cod with Asparagus take to make?
Total time is about 27 minutes (10 min prep + 17 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-Garlic Baked Cod 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 (6 ounces each) cod fillets from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Garlic Baked 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-Garlic Baked Cod with 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-Garlic Baked 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★☆☆
Not bad. Would need significant modifications to make it a regular.
