Pan-Seared Cod with Lemon-Dill and Asparagus
Perfectly cooked cod fillets with a bright lemon-dill sauce and tender asparagus, ideal for a quick weeknight dinner. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs (6 oz each) cod fillets, olive oil, salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 190 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
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup, chopped fresh dill
- 1, zested and juiced lemon
- 1 lb, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces asparagus
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 4 cod fillets (6 oz each) dry with paper towels and season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper on both sides.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Step 3: Place the cod fillets in the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden and flaky.
- Step 4: Remove the cod from the skillet and set aside. Add 1/2 cup fresh dill, 1 lemon zest, and 1 lemon juice to the skillet, stirring to combine.
- Step 5: Add 1 lb asparagus (trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces) to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes, until tender-crisp.
- Step 6: Return the cod to the skillet and coat with the lemon-dill sauce. Cook for an additional 1 minute to heat through.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Cod with Lemon-Dill and Asparagus 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 Pan-Seared Cod with Lemon-Dill and 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 Pan-Seared Cod with Lemon-Dill and 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-Dill and 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-Dill and Asparagus?
American 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
A new family favorite! The dill and lemon made the cod shine without overpowering it.
- ★★★★★
Perfect for a weeknight dinner. The asparagus was tender and the cod flaked beautifully.
- ★★★★★
This was so simple and delicious! My husband loved the lemon-dill sauce on the cod.
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