Lemon-Herb Baked Cod with Asparagus
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 (6 oz each) cod fillets, (zest and juice) lemon, olive oil into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. 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 oz each) cod fillets
- 1 (zest and juice) lemon
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp (chopped) fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp (chopped) dill
- 2 cloves (minced) garlic
- 1 lb (trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces) asparagus
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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?
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 each) cod fillets from drying out.
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
This has become our go-to salads dish. We make it weekly.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 25-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
