North Atlantic Cod Poached in Citrus and Dill Broth

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

Tender cod fillets gently poached in a bright, aromatic broth of lemon, orange, and fresh dill, capturing the essence of northern Atlantic flavors. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs 6 oz each cod fillets, water, fresh dill sprigs for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 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: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine 3 cups water, 4 sprigs fresh dill, 1 tsp lemon zest, 1 tsp orange zest, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp orange juice, 1 tsp salt, and 6 whole black peppercorns. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 cod fillets, each about 6 oz, to the simmering broth. Reduce heat to low and poach the fish gently for 8-10 minutes, until opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  3. Step 3: Remove the cod carefully with a slotted spoon and place on a warmed serving plate. Discard the dill sprigs and peppercorns from the broth.
  4. Step 4: Whisk 2 tbsp unsalted butter into the warm broth until melted and slightly thickened, then spoon the broth over the cod.
  5. Step 5: Garnish the dish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving to add a fresh, vibrant note.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does North Atlantic Cod Poached in Citrus and Dill Broth take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 North Atlantic Cod Poached in Citrus and Dill Broth?

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 North Atlantic Cod Poached in Citrus and Dill Broth?

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 North Atlantic Cod Poached in Citrus and Dill Broth 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 North Atlantic Cod Poached in Citrus and Dill Broth?

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.

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