Simple Lemon Baked Cod

For those who’re on the lookout for a quick, flavorful dinner that feels just a little 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 sort of dinner that makes you are feeling such as you ordered one thing particular at a restaurant, nevertheless 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 straightforward 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 aspect, or maintain it mild and serve it with a easy, recent inexperienced salad. It’s a simple method to get dinner on the desk rapidly 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 sure it’s softened since you’ll be mixing it with different elements. Salted or unsalted is ok.
• 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 supplies one of the best taste, however jarred works too.
• Dried Basil: Provides a delicate herbaceous be aware. Italian seasoning may very well be used as a substitute for a special taste twist.
• Onion Powder: Provides depth to the butter combination. Don’t substitute with recent onion—it gained’t mix as properly.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides just a little tang and complexity. Yellow mustard can be utilized if wanted, however Dijon is most well-liked.
• Lemon Juice: Contemporary is finest for taste, however you can even use bottled.
• Contemporary Parsley (elective): Provides a pop of shade and recent, 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 gentle scent. Keep away from items that look uninteresting or have a powerful fishy odor. Fish shouldn’t scent fishy if it’s good.

For those who’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 properly. Simply control cook dinner time: tilapia’s thinner and desires much less time (suppose shave off a pair minutes), whereas thick cuts like halibut may have a number of further to get flaky and opaque all over.

Tips on how to Know When It’s Carried out

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