Description
A quick and fuss-free baked cod recipe featuring a fresh herb crust that delivers a crispy, tender, and flavorful fish dinner perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each / 170g each), fresh or thawed frozen
- ½ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves, stripped from stems
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs (75g)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste (about ½ teaspoon kosher salt recommended)
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- In a mixing bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, parsley, thyme leaves, lemon zest, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if using. Pour in melted butter and mix until crumbs are evenly coated and shiny.
- Pat cod fillets dry with paper towels. Place them skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle olive oil over the top and sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper.
- Press the herb and breadcrumb mixture generously onto the top of each fillet, pressing firmly to adhere.
- Bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the fish flakes easily with a fork. Internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
- Optional: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fish right after baking. Serve immediately.
Notes
Pat the fish dry before applying the crust to ensure crispiness. Use fresh herbs for best flavor. Melted butter browns the crust beautifully. Press the crust firmly onto the fillets to prevent it from falling off. Avoid overbaking to keep fish tender. Let fish rest a few minutes after baking. Variations include adding cayenne for spice, swapping panko for nuts or Parmesan, and using gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version. To reheat leftovers, bake at 350°F for 10 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet (about 6 oz
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 0.5
- Sodium: 300
- Fat: 11
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Fiber: 1.5
- Protein: 35
Keywords: baked cod, crispy cod, herb crust, easy fish recipe, weeknight dinner, healthy fish, fresh herbs, panko crust