Lemon-Herb Baked Cod with Asparagus

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

A light and refreshing dish featuring flaky cod baked with zesty lemon and herbs, paired with tender asparagus. This american-inspired salads ready in about 40 minutes pairs cod fillets, lemon, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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: 25 min Serves 4 American cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 lemon's zest and juice, 2 tbsp parsley, 1 tbsp dill, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper.
  2. Step 2: Place 4 cod fillets in a baking dish and pour half the herb mixture over them. Tuck 1 lb trimmed asparagus around the fish and pour remaining herb mixture over everything.
  3. Step 3: Bake for 20-25 minutes until cod is flaky and asparagus is tender-crisp. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving, garnished with additional parsley and lemon slices.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Herb Baked Cod with Asparagus take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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-Herb Baked 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-Herb 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-Herb 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-Herb Baked Cod with Asparagus?

American salads 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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