Lemon-Herb Baked Cod with Asparagus

Need easy seafood recipes for a quick dinner? This Lemon-Herb Baked Cod with Asparagus is ready in 30 minutes! Flaky, flavorful, and healthy. Get the recipe now!

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a delicious, healthy meal in under 30 minutes? honestly, who doesn't? these easy seafood recipes are your ticket to a stress-free dinner party.

This lemon-herb baked cod with asparagus is light and zesty.

Brief Overview

This dish hails from the mediterranean. it is inspired by simple, fresh ingredients. the cod is baked with bright lemon and fragrant herbs.

It takes only 30 minutes to make and serves two people.

Main Benefits

Looking for health dinner recipes ? this recipe is packed with protein. this recipe has heart-healthy fats from the cod and olive oil.

It is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a light lunch. what makes this recipe special is its simplicity.

Okay, so i'll admit, i'm not usually a big fish person. but this recipe totally changed my mind. one time, i was trying to impress this girl i really liked, so i made this.

And it worked! that's why it has a special place in my heart. now, let's get to the ingredients, shall we?

This dish also works well with the Mediterranean Diet Recipes Dinners .

From Humble Ingredients To A Fish Dinner

You need:

• Two cod fillets
• One pound asparagus
• Two tablespoons olive oil
• One lemon, sliced
• Two cloves garlic, minced
• Two tablespoons parsley
• Two tablespoons dill
• Salt and pepper

It’s that simple! Make it perfect Healthy Food Dishes .

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty! this lemon-herb baked cod with asparagus is proper lush. it is one of those easy seafood recipes that tastes way fancier than it actually is.

Trust me, even if you can only boil an egg, you can nail this.

Ingredients & Equipment

Main Ingredients

Right, so here's what you'll need. No drama, just simple stuff.

• Cod: Two fillets, about 6 ounces (170g) each.
• Asparagus: A pound ( 450g ), trimmed.
• Olive Oil: Two tablespoons.
• Lemon: One , thinly sliced.
• Garlic: Two cloves, minced.
• Parsley: Two tablespoons, chopped fresh.
• Dill: Two tablespoons, chopped fresh.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste, obviously.

For the cod, look for firm flesh. it should smell fresh, like the sea. if it smells too fishy, avoid it.

I once bought some dodgy cod and honestly, never again! fresh is key for fish dinner recipes .

Seasoning Notes

Now, seasoning is where the magic happens, innit?

• Essential Combo: Garlic, lemon, and those fresh herbs.
• Flavour Boost: A bit of lemon zest is fab.
• Substitutions: No dill? Chives are a decent swap. Want some heat? Red pepper flakes will do it. This is a nice health dinner recipes .

This recipe is right up there with easy Mediterranean diet recipes as well. It's simple, fresh, and tastes amazing. Plus, the Mediterranean diet recipes dinners options are so good.

Equipment Needed

Keep it simple. You don't need loads of kit.

• Baking Sheet: Any old one will do.
• Parchment Paper: Optional, but saves on washing up. Seriously, life's too short for scrubbing.
• Small Bowl: For tossing the asparagus.

Don't have parchment? Grease the baking sheet. Boom, problem solved!

Honestly, this fish dinner couldn't be easier. it’s a great way to get some healthy food dishes on the table without any fuss.

Imagine this: salmon orzo spinach . sounds fancy? maybe next time! how about a lemony salmon and orzo casserole ? or even a lemon salmon orzo skillet ?

Okay, mate, let's get this "easy seafood recipes" show on the road. forget the fancy chef hats; this is all about real food, real easy.

Think less gordon ramsay and more "mum's in the kitchen". we are making lemon-herb baked cod with asparagus . sounds posh, yeah? honestly, it's dead simple.

Prep Like a Pro: No Stress, Just Success

First things first, mise en place , yeah? it's just a fancy way of saying "get your stuff ready". chop your 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley and 2 tablespoons of fresh dill .

Mince 2 cloves of garlic . slice your 1 lemon . got it? good. it’s like prepping for a cuppa, only with fish! this also helps with time.

You know, getting it done quicker! we're talking 10 minutes .

Honestly, i always use parchment paper for easy cleanup. it’s like a cheat code for cooking. so grab that baking sheet and line it.

Safety-wise, watch those oven temps, yeah? don't want a burnt offering, just a nice, flaky fish.

Bake It 'Til You Make It: Step-by-Step Deliciousness

Alright, here we go!

1. Preheat your oven to 400° F ( 200° C) . Timing is crucial .
2. Line that baking sheet! Parchment paper, remember?
3. Toss 1 pound of asparagus with 1 tablespoon of olive oil , salt, and pepper.
4. Spread the asparagus on the sheet. Single layer, mind you.
5. Pat dry 2 (6-ounce) cod fillets . Drizzle with the other 1 tablespoon of olive oil . Season with salt and pepper.
6. Plonk the cod on top of the asparagus.
7. Arrange lemon slices over the cod. Sprinkle with garlic, parsley, and dill.
8. Bake for 15- 20 minutes . You want the cod to flake easily.

And ta-da! Dinner is served. It's Lemon Salmon Orzo Skillet level of easy, but with a slightly different vibe. This method works wonders for Fish Dinner Recipes !

Pro Tips: Secret Chef Moves

• Don't overcook the cod . It’ll be like chewing rubber. No one wants that.
• Lemon zest is your best friend. Adds a zesty punch. Honestly, try it!
• Want to make this ahead? Prep the asparagus and herb mix. Then just bake when you're ready.

Also, I've noticed a lot of people skip the drying step. Seriously, patting the cod dry makes a HUGE difference. So many benefits from a simple pat!

This recipe is not only easy but fits nicely into easy mediterranean diet recipes and mediterranean diet recipes dinners . plus, with the asparagus and cod, you're nailing the health dinner recipes and healthy food dishes thing.

It could easily adapt it to be salmon orzo spinach too!.

So there you have it! A foolproof Fish Dinner that’s proper tasty. Give it a bash, and let me know what you think!

Alright, let's chat about some extra bits for our lemon-herb baked cod. these are those little things that elevate it from good to "oh my gosh, this is amazing!" you know? let’s dive right in.

Recipe Notes

This baked cod recipe is incredibly versatile. It is one of those easy seafood recipes that feels fancy. But it is really simple. Seriously, anyone can nail this.

Serving Like a Pro

Want to make it look like a restaurant plate? easy peasy! place the asparagus on the plate. then, put the cod on top.

A drizzle of olive oil and a lemon wedge makes it look beautiful. serve with quinoa for a hearty dish.

This would be ideal for fish dinner . and even better for health dinner recipes . honestly, it is also an easy mediterranean diet recipes !

Storing Secrets

Got leftovers? pop them in the fridge. they will be good for up to 2 days. freeze the cod for longer storage.

Use an airtight container. reheat in the oven at 300° f ( 150° c). it helps keep the lemony salmon and orzo casserole tasty.

Also, make sure the fish is heated through!

Remixing the Recipe

Want to mix things up? go wild! for a dairy-free version, skip the butter. use all olive oil. for a low-carb dinner, add more veggies! bell peppers and courgettes are great here.

These tweaks cater to the mediterranean diet recipes dinners . we can adjust to have healthy food dishes .

Nutrition Nuggets

Each serving is about 350 calories. it has plenty of protein (around 40g). the dish also has healthy fats from the olive oil (about 18g).

It's a winner for a lemony salmon and orzo casserole . it has low carbs, around 7g. also, it provides loads of vitamins.

It is a delicious fish dinner recipes .

So, there you have it! some extra tips. they are there to make your lemon salmon orzo skillet even better.

Or maybe it can be salmon orzo spinach . this recipe is simple and delicious. it is also good for you.

Give it a go! enjoy every single bite.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this really one of the easiest seafood recipes out there? I'm a bit of a novice!

Absolutely! This Lemon-Herb Baked Cod with Asparagus is designed for beginners. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you'll be serving up a restaurant-worthy meal in no time. It's practically foolproof - even Delia Smith would approve!

Can I use frozen cod fillets for this easy seafood recipe, or do they need to be fresh?

Frozen cod fillets work perfectly well! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture for best results. Nobody wants a soggy bottom, do they?

How do I know when the cod is cooked properly? I always seem to overcook fish.

Cod is cooked when it flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). The key is to keep a close eye on it during the last few minutes of cooking. It's better to undercook it slightly than to end up with a dry, rubbery fillet - like chewing on an old welly boot!

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time? And how should I store any leftovers?

You can prep the asparagus and herb mixture a few hours in advance, but it's best to bake the cod fresh for optimal flavour and texture. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave; just be mindful not to dry it out.

I'm on a diet, what are the nutritional benefits of this easy seafood recipes, or can you make a healthier version?

This dish is naturally quite healthy! Cod is a lean protein source, and asparagus is packed with vitamins and fiber. To make it even healthier, you can reduce the amount of olive oil or use a cooking spray instead. Serve with a side of quinoa or brown rice for a balanced meal. If you're really watching those calories, you could steam the asparagus separately to minimize the oil.

I don't have cod. What other types of fish would work well with this recipe?

No cod, no worries! Haddock, pollock, or tilapia are all excellent substitutes. These white fish varieties have a similar flaky texture and mild flavour that pairs beautifully with the lemon and herbs. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, as different types of fish may cook at different rates. You might even experiment with salmon for a richer flavor – that'd be smashing!

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