Pan-Seared Cod with Lemon-Dill Sauce and Asparagus

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

Flaky cod fillets pan-seared to golden perfection, served with a bright lemon-dill sauce and tender asparagus. This Mediterranean-inspired seafood recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, pairs cod fillets, asparagus, olive oil 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: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 340 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat cod fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place cod skin-side down and cook for 4 minutes until skin is crisp.
  3. Step 3: Flip cod and cook for 3-4 minutes more until opaque and flaky; transfer to a plate.
  4. Step 4: Add asparagus and 1 tbsp olive oil to the same skillet; cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender-crisp.
  5. Step 5: Reduce heat to medium-low. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Step 6: Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, 2 tbsp dill, heavy cream, salt, and pepper; simmer for 2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  7. Step 7: Return cod to skillet, spoon sauce over top, and garnish with remaining dill.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Cod with Lemon-Dill Sauce 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 Sauce and Asparagus?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Cod with Lemon-Dill Sauce 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 Sauce 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 Sauce and 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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