Description
This Parmesan Crusted Cod recipe features tender cod fillets baked to perfection with a crispy, flavorful Parmesan and breadcrumb crust, enhanced by fresh parsley, garlic, and lemon zest. It’s a quick and delicious seafood dish that’s perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Fish and Seasoning
- 2 cod fillets (4–5 oz each)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Parmesan Crust Mixture
- 2 tbsp salted butter, melted
- â…“ cup Panko breadcrumbs
- â…“ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp lemon zest
Finishing
- Olive oil or cooking spray, for drizzling or spraying
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Crust Mixture: In a bowl, combine the Panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh parsley, garlic powder, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. Stir in the melted salted butter until the mixture becomes crumbly and well combined.
- Season Cod: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Lightly season both sides with salt and pepper, then place the fillets on the prepared baking sheet.
- Apply Crust: Spoon the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture evenly over each cod fillet. Press gently with the back of the spoon or your fingers to help the crust adhere to the fish.
- Add Olive Oil: Lightly spray or drizzle olive oil over the crust to help it brown and crisp during baking.
- Bake Cod: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork and the crust has turned golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve hot, optionally with lemon wedges for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh cod fillets that are approximately the same size to ensure even cooking.
- Patting the fillets dry before seasoning helps the crust stick better and promotes a crispier texture.
- You can substitute Panko breadcrumbs with regular breadcrumbs, but Panko gives a lighter, crunchier crust.
- Adjust garlic powder and lemon zest amounts to suit your taste preferences.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
