Simple Lemon Baked Cod

Should you’re on the lookout for a quick, flavorful dinner that feels slightly fancy with out the additional effort, this simple lemon baked cod is it. The fillets bake up flaky with a lemon, buttery crust loaded with garlic and Parmesan. It’s the type of dinner that makes you are feeling such as you ordered one thing particular at a restaurant, however it solely takes quarter-hour begin to end.

Searching for less difficult fish recipes? Strive our Easy Air Fryer Salmon.

Why My Recipe

• Flaky cod with a flavorful garlic parmesan crust.
• Fast and simple dinner—prepared in solely quarter-hour!
• Full the meal with rice and a veggie or a inexperienced salad.

It’s simple to show this dish into a whole meal and may be served over rice along with your favourite veggie on the facet, or preserve it mild and serve it with a easy, contemporary inexperienced salad. It’s a simple technique to get dinner on the desk rapidly and it’s good for you too!

Ingredient Notes

• Cod Fish: Search for 6-ounce parts of contemporary or thawed cod. If utilizing frozen, thaw fully and pat dry to take away extra moisture.
• Butter: Ensure it’s softened since you’ll be mixing it with different substances. Salted or unsalted is okay.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is what you need for one of the best soften and taste.
• All-Goal Flour: Helps create a barely thick, spreadable crust.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic offers one of the best taste, however jarred works too.
• Dried Basil: Provides a refined herbaceous observe. Italian seasoning may very well be used as a substitute for a unique taste twist.
• Onion Powder: Provides depth to the butter combination. Don’t substitute with contemporary onion—it received’t mix as properly.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides slightly tang and complexity. Yellow mustard can be utilized if wanted, however Dijon is most popular.
• Lemon Juice: Recent is finest for taste, however you can even use bottled.
• Recent Parsley (non-obligatory): Provides a pop of coloration and contemporary, herby taste.
• Lemon (non-obligatory): Thinly slice and use to garnish if you wish to make it fairly.

Shopping for Cod

Once you head to the shop to purchase your cod, search for agency, white fillets with a light scent. Keep away from items that look uninteresting or have a robust fishy odor. Fish shouldn’t scent fishy if it’s good.

Should you’re utilizing frozen cod, be certain that to thaw it fully within the fridge in a single day or below chilly working water. Pat it dry earlier than baking to assist the crust stick higher and guarantee even cooking.

Utilizing Different Fish

This lemon-butter topping is scrumptious on different fish as properly. Simply control prepare dinner time: tilapia’s thinner and desires much less time (assume shave off a pair minutes), whereas thick cuts like halibut may have just a few further to get flaky and opaque during.

The way to Know When It’s Achieved

When your cod goes from see-through and glossy to strong white and begins flaking, it’s executed. The inner temperature ought to attain 145°F (63°C) for those who’re utilizing a thermometer. Watch out to not overcook it. Cod is a lean fish and dries out rapidly if left within the oven too lengthy.

Serving Solutions

Rice and Veggies: Merely pair with a facet of white or brown steamed rice and a inexperienced veggie (we love asparagus or green beans) for a whole meal.

Tacos: Slice it up and throw it in a taco. Add toppings like cabbage, bitter cream, guacamole, and a few sliced or pickled jalapeños.

Salad or Wrap: Repurpose these leftovers and use in a salad or lettuce wrap.