Straightforward Lemon Baked Cod

In the event you’re searching for a quick, flavorful dinner that feels a bit of 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 sort of dinner that makes you’re feeling such as you ordered one thing particular at a restaurant, but it surely solely takes quarter-hour begin to end.

In search of simpler 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 could be served over rice together with your favourite veggie on the aspect, or preserve it mild and serve it with a easy, recent inexperienced salad. It’s a straightforward method to get dinner on the desk shortly and it’s good for you too!

Ingredient Notes

• Cod Fish: Search for 6-ounce parts of recent 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 substances. Salted or unsalted is okay.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is what you need for the very best soften and taste.
• All-Goal Flour: Helps create a barely thick, spreadable crust.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives the very best taste, however jarred works too.
• Dried Basil: Provides a delicate herbaceous word. Italian seasoning could possibly be used as a substitute for a distinct taste twist.
• Onion Powder: Offers depth to the butter combination. Don’t substitute with recent onion—it gained’t mix as nicely.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides a bit of tang and complexity. Yellow mustard can be utilized if wanted, however Dijon is most well-liked.
• Lemon Juice: Contemporary is greatest for taste, however you may as well use bottled.
• Contemporary Parsley (non-compulsory): Provides a pop of colour and recent, herby taste.
• Lemon (non-compulsory): Thinly slice and use to garnish if you wish to make it fairly.

Shopping for Cod

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

In the event you’re utilizing frozen cod, ensure that to thaw it utterly within the fridge in a single day or beneath 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 nicely. Simply control cook dinner time: tilapia’s thinner and desires much less time (assume shave off a pair minutes), whereas thick cuts like halibut might have a number of additional to get flaky and opaque right through.

Easy methods to Know When It’s Finished

When your cod goes from see-through and glossy to stable white and begins flaking, it’s completed. The interior temperature ought to attain 145°F (63°C) in case you’re utilizing a thermometer. Watch out to not overcook it. Cod is a lean fish and dries out shortly if left within the oven too lengthy.

Serving Ideas

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 an entire 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.