Pan-Seared Cod with Lemon and Dill, Served with Roasted Asparagus

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Flaky cod fillets seared to golden perfection with a bright lemon-dill finish, paired with tender roasted asparagus. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 35 minutes pairs (6 oz each), skin-on cod fillets, thinly sliced lemon, chopped fresh dill for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.

★ 4.5 (15 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place asparagus on a baking sheet, toss with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Roast for 12-15 minutes until tender with slight charring.
  2. Step 2: Pat cod fillets dry with paper towels and season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Step 3: Place cod skin-side down in skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes until skin is crispy and golden. Flip and cook for 3-4 minutes more until flesh is opaque and flakes easily.
  4. Step 4: Remove skillet from heat and add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp fresh dill. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in 1 tbsp butter to melt.
  5. Step 5: Arrange cod fillets on plates with roasted asparagus. Spoon lemon slices and pan sauce over top and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Cod with Lemon and Dill, Served with Roasted Asparagus take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Pan-Seared Cod with Lemon and Dill, Served with Roasted 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 thinly sliced lemon from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Cod with Lemon and Dill, Served with Roasted 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 Pan-Seared Cod with Lemon and Dill, Served with Roasted 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 Pan-Seared Cod with Lemon and Dill, Served with Roasted Asparagus?

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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