Baked Lemon Herb Cod

Featured in: Weeknight Dinners

This dish features flaky cod fillets coated in a fresh lemon, garlic, and herb mixture, baked to perfection alongside vibrant asparagus and cherry tomatoes. Ready in under 30 minutes, it offers a balanced meal infused with Mediterranean flavors. The asparagus and tomatoes roast to tender, juicy goodness, complementing the lightly seasoned fish. Simple to prepare, it suits a gluten-free, low-carb lifestyle and pairs well with light white wines.

Updated on Sun, 15 Feb 2026 13:46:20 GMT
Baked lemon herb cod with sheet pan asparagus and cherry tomatoes, a healthy Mediterranean-inspired dinner ready in under 30 minutes. Pin It
Baked lemon herb cod with sheet pan asparagus and cherry tomatoes, a healthy Mediterranean-inspired dinner ready in under 30 minutes. | urbanspatula.com

This Baked Lemon Herb Cod is a vibrant, healthy Mediterranean-inspired dinner that brings fresh flavors to your table in under 30 minutes. Tender, flaky fillets are seasoned with garlic and aromatic herbs, then roasted on a single sheet pan alongside crisp asparagus and bursting cherry tomatoes.

Baked lemon herb cod with sheet pan asparagus and cherry tomatoes, a healthy Mediterranean-inspired dinner ready in under 30 minutes. Pin It
Baked lemon herb cod with sheet pan asparagus and cherry tomatoes, a healthy Mediterranean-inspired dinner ready in under 30 minutes. | urbanspatula.com

The combination of lemon juice and zest creates a bright, zesty base that perfectly complements the mildness of the cod. By roasting the vegetables at the same time, the tomatoes release their juices, creating a natural sauce that ties the whole dish together.

Ingredients

  • Fish: 4 cod fillets (about 150 g each), skinless and boneless; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Zest and juice of 1 lemon; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped; 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried); ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Vegetables: 1 bunch asparagus (about 400 g), trimmed; 250 g cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 tablespoon olive oil; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Garnish (optional): Lemon wedges; Extra fresh herbs
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Instructions

Step 1
Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Step 2
In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons olive oil, lemon zest and juice, minced garlic, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Step 3
Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. Place them on one side of the baking sheet. Brush the lemon herb mixture evenly over the fillets.
Step 4
Place the asparagus and cherry tomatoes on the other side of the baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and toss to coat.
Step 5
Bake for 16–18 minutes, or until the cod flakes easily with a fork and the asparagus is tender.
Step 6
Divide the cod and vegetables among plates. Garnish with lemon wedges and extra herbs if desired. Serve immediately.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For the best results, ensure the cod fillets are patted completely dry with paper towels before brushing on the herb mixture. This helps the seasoning stay in place and ensures the fish bakes rather than steams.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Feel free to substitute the cod with other white fish like haddock or halibut depending on what is fresh at your market. You can also add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese over the asparagus before roasting for an extra layer of savory flavor.

Serviervorschläge

To turn this into a heartier meal, serve it alongside quinoa, fluffy rice, or a piece of crusty bread. This dish also pairs beautifully with a chilled, crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

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Whether you are looking for a quick weeknight solution or a light, elegant meal for guests, this Baked Lemon Herb Cod delivers fantastic flavor with almost no effort. Enjoy the simplicity of healthy, Mediterranean cooking at its finest.

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Questions & Answers

Can I substitute the cod with another fish?

Yes, haddock or halibut can be used as alternatives with similar cooking times and flavors.

How should I prepare the asparagus and tomatoes for baking?

Toss asparagus and halved cherry tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper before placing them on the baking sheet for roasting.

What is the ideal oven temperature for cooking this dish?

Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) to ensure even baking and tender results for both fish and vegetables.

Can I add extra flavor to the asparagus?

A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese over the asparagus before baking adds a rich, savory note.

What are good serving suggestions to accompany this dish?

Serve with quinoa, rice, or crusty bread to complement the flavors and create a satisfying meal.

Is this meal suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, this dish contains no gluten and fits well within gluten-free and low-carb meal plans.

Baked Lemon Herb Cod

Tender cod baked with lemon and herbs, paired with roasted asparagus and cherry tomatoes.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
18 minutes
Overall Time
28 minutes
Created by Carter Phillips


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Mediterranean

Portions 4 Serving Size

Diet Preferences No Dairy, No Gluten, Low in Carbs

What You’ll Need

Fish

01 4 cod fillets (5.3 oz each), skinless and boneless
02 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 Zest and juice of 1 lemon
04 2 garlic cloves, minced
05 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
06 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
07 0.5 teaspoon salt
08 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

Vegetables

01 1 bunch asparagus (14 oz), trimmed
02 8.8 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
03 1 tablespoon olive oil
04 0.5 teaspoon salt
05 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

Garnish

01 Lemon wedges
02 Fresh herbs for garnish

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with oil.

Step 02

Create Lemon Herb Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Step 03

Prepare Cod Fillets: Pat cod fillets dry with paper towels. Arrange on one side of the prepared baking sheet. Brush the lemon herb mixture evenly over each fillet.

Step 04

Season Vegetables: Place asparagus and halved cherry tomatoes on the opposite side of the baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and toss to coat evenly.

Step 05

Bake Sheet Pan: Bake for 16 to 18 minutes until cod flakes easily with a fork and asparagus is tender crisp.

Step 06

Plate and Serve: Divide cod fillets and roasted vegetables among serving plates. Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh herbs. Serve immediately.

Tools You’ll Need

  • Large baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Pastry brush
  • Chef's knife and cutting board

Allergy Warnings

Review every ingredient for allergens and ask a professional if you’re unsure.
  • Contains fish (cod)
  • Verify product labels for potential cross-contamination with other allergens

Nutrition Info (for each serving)

These nutrition details are for reference and don’t replace medical guidance.
  • Energy: 260
  • Fats: 11 g
  • Carbohydrates: 9 g
  • Proteins: 31 g