Baked Cod with Lemon, Steamed Asparagus, and Couscous

Ingredients

• cod fillet 5 oz
• steamed asparagus 1 cup
• whole wheat couscous 1/2 cup cooked
• olive oil 1 tbsp
• lemon juice and zest 1 tbsp
• garlic powder to taste
• salt to taste
• black pepper to taste

Method

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Cod. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Rinse the cod fillet under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Place the fillet on a baking dish lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
   Tip: Patting the fish dry helps it bake evenly and prevents sogginess.
2. Season Cod with Lemon and Spices. Drizzle the cod with half the olive oil and lemon juice. Sprinkle lemon zest, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper evenly over the fillet to enhance flavor.
   Tip: Use fresh lemon zest for the best aroma and taste.
3. Bake the Cod. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the cod for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
   Tip: Check the fish at 12 minutes to avoid overcooking, which can make it dry.
4. Steam Asparagus. While the cod is baking, rinse the asparagus and trim the woody ends. Place the asparagus in a steaming basket over boiling water, cover, and steam for 4-6 minutes until tender but still crisp.
   Tip: Avoid over-steaming to keep asparagus vibrant and slightly crunchy.
5. Prepare Whole Wheat Couscous. If not already cooked, prepare the couscous according to package instructions. Typically, bring water to a boil, add couscous, cover, and let it sit off heat for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork. Toss with remaining olive oil and a pinch of salt.
   Tip: Fluffing couscous with a fork prevents clumps and keeps it light.
6. Plate and Serve. Arrange the baked cod fillet on a plate alongside the steamed asparagus and a serving of whole wheat couscous. Optionally, drizzle a little extra lemon juice over the asparagus and couscous for a fresh finish.
   Tip: Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Pro tips

• Use a meat thermometer to check cod’s internal temperature; it should reach 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption.
• To add extra flavor, marinate the cod in lemon juice and olive oil for 15 minutes before baking.