Lemon-Herb Baked Cod with Crispy Asparagus
A light, high-protein keto dinner featuring tender cod fillets baked with fresh herbs and lemon, served alongside perfectly crisp asparagus spears. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (keto, high protein) ready in about 29 minutes pairs (6 oz each) cod fillets, olive oil, zested and juiced lemon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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 oz each) cod fillets
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1, zested and juiced lemon
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh dill
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 12 oz, trimmed asparagus
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat cod fillets dry with paper towels, then season both sides with 1/4 tsp sea salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp dill, 1 tbsp parsley, and minced garlic; rub evenly over cod fillets.
- Step 3: Place cod on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then arrange asparagus spears around it. Drizzle asparagus with remaining 1 tbsp olive oil, season with 1/4 tsp sea salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper, and toss to coat.
- Step 4: Bake for 12-14 minutes until cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, and asparagus is tender-crisp with slightly charred edges.
- Step 5: Remove from oven, sprinkle with lemon zest and remaining cherry tomatoes, then garnish with extra dill and parsley before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Herb Baked Cod with Crispy Asparagus take to make?
Total time is about 29 minutes (15 min prep + 14 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 Crispy 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 Crispy 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 Crispy 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.
Is Lemon-Herb Baked Cod with Crispy Asparagus keto?
Yes — this recipe is tagged keto, high protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
