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Easy Zesty Lemon Herb Baked Cod with Asparagus

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A quick and easy baked cod recipe featuring fresh lemon, herbs, and asparagus for a light, flavorful, and healthy dinner perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz / 170 g each), fresh or thawed, firm and skinless
  • 1 bunch asparagus (about 1 lb / 450 g), trimmed
  • 1 large fresh lemon (zest and juice)
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (or substitute with rosemary or oregano)
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
  • Optional substitutions: almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for crunch; green beans or broccolini instead of asparagus

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and allow 5 minutes for it to fully heat.
  2. Rinse and trim about 1 lb (450 g) of asparagus, snapping off the tough ends. Pat dry thoroughly.
  3. Toss the asparagus in a mixing bowl with 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of extra virgin olive oil, juice of half a lemon, a pinch of salt, freshly ground black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Toss until evenly coated.
  4. Arrange the asparagus in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet or roasting pan.
  5. Pat dry 4 cod fillets (around 6 oz / 170 g each) with paper towels.
  6. In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons (45 ml) olive oil, minced garlic, fresh thyme leaves, lemon zest from 1 lemon, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
  7. Place the cod fillets on top of the asparagus, spacing evenly. Spoon the lemon herb mixture over each fillet, spreading gently.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until the cod flakes easily with a fork and looks opaque, and asparagus is tender but crisp.
  9. Optional: Broil for 1-2 minutes at the end for extra color and texture, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  10. Remove from oven and let rest for 2 minutes before serving.

Notes

Patting the cod dry is crucial for flaky texture and preventing sogginess. Avoid overcrowding the pan to keep asparagus crisp. Fresh herbs and lemon zest provide brighter flavor than dried. Start checking cod at 12 minutes to avoid overcooking. Thicker fillets should be placed on the edges of the pan for even cooking. Optional broiling adds color but watch carefully.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked cod, lemon herb cod, asparagus recipe, easy dinner, healthy fish recipe, quick baked fish, weeknight dinner, gluten-free, paleo-friendly

Find it online: https://novanosh.com/easy-zesty-lemon-herb-baked-cod-with-asparagus-recipe-for-perfect-dinner/