Simple Lemon Baked Cod

If you happen to’re on the lookout for a quick, flavorful dinner that feels just a little fancy with out the additional effort, this straightforward 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, but it surely solely takes quarter-hour begin to end.

On the lookout for less difficult fish recipes? Attempt 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 straightforward to show this dish into an entire meal and may be served over rice together with your favourite veggie on the aspect, or hold it gentle and serve it with a easy, contemporary inexperienced salad. It’s a straightforward approach 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 utterly and pat dry to take away extra moisture.
• Butter: Be certain it’s softened since you’ll be mixing it with different elements. Salted or unsalted is okay.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is what you need for the perfect soften and taste.
• All-Goal Flour: Helps create a barely thick, spreadable crust.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic supplies the perfect taste, however jarred works too.
• Dried Basil: Provides a delicate herbaceous observe. Italian seasoning may very well be used as a substitute for a special taste twist.
• Onion Powder: Offers depth to the butter combination. Don’t substitute with contemporary onion—it gained’t mix as nicely.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides just a little tang and complexity. Yellow mustard can be utilized if wanted, however Dijon is most well-liked.
• Lemon Juice: Recent is finest for taste, however you may as well use bottled.
• Recent Parsley (elective): Provides a pop of shade and contemporary, herby taste.
• Lemon (elective): Thinly slice and use to garnish if you wish to make it fairly.

Shopping for Cod

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

If you happen to’re utilizing frozen cod, be sure that to thaw it utterly within the fridge in a single day or underneath chilly operating 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 nicely. Simply regulate prepare dinner time: tilapia’s thinner and wishes much less time (suppose shave off a pair minutes), whereas thick cuts like halibut might have a number of additional to get flaky and opaque right through.

Know When It’s Performed

When your cod goes from see-through and glossy to stable white and begins flaking, it’s executed. The inner temperature ought to attain 145°F (63°C) if you happen to’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 Strategies

Rice and Veggies: Merely pair with a aspect 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.