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Easy Baked Lemon Herb Cod with Asparagus

baked lemon herb cod - featured image
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A quick and healthy baked cod recipe paired with roasted asparagus, flavored with fresh lemon and herbs. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want a light, nourishing meal without fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz / 170 g each), fresh or thawed frozen cod
  • 1 bunch asparagus (about 1 lb / 450 g), trimmed
  • 1 large lemon, zested and juiced
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • Salt to taste (kosher salt recommended)
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Trim the woody ends off the asparagus stalks, about 1 to 2 inches from the bottom. Toss asparagus in a mixing bowl with 1 tablespoon olive oil, a pinch of salt, and a few grinds of black pepper. Set aside.
  3. Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  4. In a small bowl, combine the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped parsley, thyme, about ½ teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Stir well to blend.
  5. Brush the lemon herb mixture generously over each cod fillet, covering both sides if possible. Pour any leftover mixture over the asparagus and toss lightly to coat.
  6. Arrange the asparagus in a neat row alongside the cod fillets on the baking sheet, ensuring even spacing.
  7. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, and the asparagus is tender-crisp with slightly roasted tips.
  8. If fillets are thicker than 1 inch, bake for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching closely to avoid drying out the fish.
  9. Remove from oven and let rest for a couple of minutes. Spoon any pan juices over the cod and asparagus before serving.

Notes

Patting the cod dry before seasoning helps the seasoning stick and prevents steaming. Use fresh herbs and lemon zest for the best flavor. For extra color, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end but watch closely to avoid burning. This recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 2 days; reheat gently and add fresh lemon juice before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked cod, lemon herb cod, healthy dinner, asparagus recipe, quick fish recipe, gluten-free, low-carb, easy weeknight meal

Find it online: https://chrisfeasts.com/easy-baked-lemon-herb-cod-with-asparagus-perfect-for-healthy-dinners/