Lemon-Thyme Baked Cod with Asparagus and Garlic Butter

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Flaky cod baked with bright lemon-thyme glaze, served with tender asparagus and rich garlic butter. This french-inspired quick meals (gluten free, low sodium) ready in about 40 minutes pairs (6 oz each) cod fillets, zested and juiced lemon, chopped fresh thyme for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 340 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 French cuisine 340 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. In a bowl, mix cod with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tbsp thyme. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, beat butter with 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1/2 tsp salt. Spread half the butter over cod and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Toss asparagus with 1 tbsp olive oil and 1/2 tsp salt. Arrange around cod. Bake 20 minutes until cod is opaque and asparagus is tender-crisp.
  4. Step 4: In a saucepan, cook white wine over medium heat until reduced by half (5 minutes). Spoon reduction over cod and asparagus, then top with remaining butter.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Thyme Baked Cod with Asparagus and Garlic Butter 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-Thyme Baked Cod with Asparagus and Garlic Butter?

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-Thyme Baked Cod with Asparagus and Garlic Butter?

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-Thyme Baked Cod with Asparagus and Garlic Butter 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-Thyme Baked Cod with Asparagus and Garlic Butter gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free, low sodium, dairy free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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