Cod With Asparagus And Preserved Lemons Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it’s a simple yet elegant way to enjoy fresh flavors, and it makes me feel like a gourmet chef without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of zesty preserved lemons, tender asparagus, and flaky cod is a vibrant taste experience that’s both healthy and Instagram-worthy!

There are prime examples of the aforementioned dish. I love to craft that dish and also love the flavor it gives off.

I also love the use of ingredients that make my Cod with Asparagus and Preserved Lemons vibrant. First off, there’s the cod itself.

Cod is a succulent fish and ripe for pairing with a number of tasty accompaniments. As is, with nothing more than a sprinkle of salt and a drizzle of lemon juice, the fish shines—though it is also delicious dressed in a variety of ways, as you’ll see in the recipes that follow.

Ingredients

Cod fillets:
Rich in protein and low in fat.

A light, delicate taste.

Asparagus:
High in fiber and vitamin A, C, and K.

Aids in digestive health.

Preserved lemons:
Powerful citrusy taste.

Insert sharp, salty flavors into recipes.

Olive oil:
Fats that are healthy for the heart.

Amplifies flavor and helps with cooking.

Fresh thyme leaves:
Herbaceous and aromatic.

Contains antioxidants and adds a nuanced flavor.

Ingredient Quantities

• 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
• 1 bunch asparagus, ends trimmed
• 2 preserved lemons, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

1. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to preheat. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Put the cod fillets on the baking sheet that you’ve prepared. Pour 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the fish and rub it on to coat it evenly.

3. The cod should be seasoned with sea salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Put the thinly sliced preserved lemons over the top of each fillet.

4. In a bowl, toss the trimmed asparagus with the leftover tablespoon of olive oil and a smidgen of sea salt and black pepper.

5. On the baking sheet, spread the asparagus around the cod fillets.

6. Distribute the fresh lemon juice evenly over the cod and asparagus.

7. Sprinkle the fresh thyme leaves all over the dish.

8. Place in the preheated oven and cook for 15–20 minutes, or until the cod has turned opaque and flakes easily with a fork and the asparagus has reached its desired doneness.

9. Take it out of the oven and allow it to cool for a short while.

10. Lemon wedges served alongside provide an extra powerful shot of fresh taste to accompany your meal. Enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Baking sheet
3. Parchment paper
4. Bowl
5. Measuring spoons
6. Knife
7. Cutting board
8. Tongs or hands (for tossing asparagus)
9. Fork (for testing the doneness of the cod)

FAQ

• Can I use fresh lemons instead of preserved lemons?Substituting preserved lemons with fresh lemon slices is a possibility in a pinch. The very reason for this substitution is the unique, tangy flavor from preserved lemons that enhances the dish at hand. When you substitute with fresh lemon, you get a slightly different taste; the dish in question is still delicious.
• What is the best way to trim asparagus?To prepare asparagus, just snap off the tough ends. To do this, take each spear in two hands and bend it near the woody end. It will break at the natural point, which is where the tender part starts.
• How can I tell when the cod is cooked properly?Cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque all the way through. The fish’s internal temperature should hit 145°F (63°C).
• Can I use another type of fish?Certainly. It is possible to replace cod with other white fish, such as haddock, halibut, or tilapia. Change the time you cook the fish depending on how thick the fillets are.
• Is there a way to make this dish spicier?If you want to turn up the heat a little, you can sprinkle red pepper flakes over the fish before it cooks, or mix in a little cayenne pepper with the other seasonings.
• Can I prepare this dish in advance?Cooking this dish requires some expedition, but you can do a few things in advance to make it easier. Slice the lemons up to a day in advance and store in the refrigerator. Prepare the asparagus the same way you would for a salad, and do that anywhere from 10 minutes to 2 hours before you need them. At the absolute last moment, just before you need them, head back to the kitchen and put the minute part of the dish together.
• What would be a good side dish?A light salad or some roasted potatoes would go well with this dish to balance the flavors and make the meal a little more hearty.

Substitutions and Variations

You can use either haddock or halibut as a substitute for cod fillets.
If you cannot find asparagus, you might use green beans or broccolini.
Fresh lemon zest mixed with a pinch of salt can serve as a stand-in for preserved lemons.
Substitute avocado oil or coconut oil for olive oil.
Substitute dried thyme or fresh rosemary for fresh thyme leaves.

Pro Tips

1. Preserved Lemon Enhancement If you find the preserved lemons a bit strong, you can rinse them lightly under water to tone down their intensity before slicing. This will give a more subtle, citrusy flavor without overpowering the dish.

2. Asparagus Crispness For those who prefer their asparagus with a bit of crunch, consider cutting the baking time to the lower end of the 15-20 minute range. Alternatively, you can pre-blanch the asparagus briefly in boiling water for about 2 minutes before tossing in olive oil and baking.

3. Flavor Infusion Marinating the cod fillets in olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a bit of lemon juice for about 15 minutes prior to baking can enhance the flavor of the fish and create a more tender result.

4. Even Cooking To ensure even cooking of the cod, try to select fillets of uniform thickness. If any fillets are significantly thicker, consider giving them a head start in the oven or slicing them down to size.

5. Herb Variations While fresh thyme adds a classic flavor, you can experiment by substituting or adding different herbs such as dill or parsley to complement the fish and asparagus, giving the dish a unique twist each time.