Are you looking for delicious and healthy dinner ideas that won't derail your low-carb diet? Craving something fresh, flavorful, and easy to make? Then look no further! This Lemon Herb Baked Cod with Asparagus is the perfect recipe for you. It's a quick, healthy, and satisfying meal that's packed with flavor and perfect for busy weeknights. This recipe is a fantastic example of how easy and enjoyable healthy eating, specifically pescetarian and low-carb eating, can be. Let's dive in!
Ingredients:
This recipe serves two and can easily be scaled up or down depending on your needs.
- For the Cod:
- 2 (4-6 ounce) cod fillets, skin on or off
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- For the Asparagus:
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats, prepare your ingredients. This simple step ensures your meal cooks evenly and efficiently.
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Prepare the Cod: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Place the cod fillets in a baking dish and pour the lemon herb mixture over them, ensuring they're evenly coated.
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Prepare the Asparagus: Toss the trimmed asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl.
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Bake: Arrange the asparagus around the cod fillets in the baking dish. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cod is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork, and the asparagus is tender-crisp. Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of your cod fillets and your oven.
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Serve: Remove from the oven and serve immediately. This dish is fantastic on its own, but you can also pair it with a side of a simple green salad or a small portion of cauliflower rice for a more complete meal.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Results:
- Don't overcrowd the baking dish: Ensure there's enough space between the cod fillets and asparagus for even cooking.
- Check for doneness: Use a fork to gently check if the cod flakes easily. Overcooked cod will be dry.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste: Feel free to add more or less of any seasoning to suit your preferences. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick!
- Fresh herbs are best: If you have fresh oregano and thyme, use about half the amount called for in the recipe.
Variations:
- Different fish: This recipe works well with other white fish fillets like halibut or snapper.
- Other vegetables: Substitute broccoli, green beans, or zucchini for the asparagus.
- Citrus twist: Experiment with different citrus fruits like lime or orange instead of lemon.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicier dish.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 5-7g (Net Carbs)
This Lemon Herb Baked Cod with Asparagus is a quick, easy, and healthy meal that's perfect for a busy weeknight. It's a delicious and satisfying way to enjoy a low-carb, pescetarian dinner. Enjoy!