Simple Lemon Baked Cod

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

Searching for less difficult fish recipes? Attempt 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 will be served over rice together with your favourite veggie on the aspect, or preserve it gentle and serve it with a easy, recent inexperienced salad. It’s a straightforward solution 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 fully and pat dry to take away extra moisture.
• Butter: Be certain that 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 very best soften and taste.
• All-Goal Flour: Helps create a barely thick, spreadable crust.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic offers the very best taste, however jarred works too.
• Dried Basil: Provides a refined herbaceous be aware. Italian seasoning might be used as an alternative for a distinct taste twist.
• Onion Powder: Offers depth to the butter combination. Don’t substitute with recent onion—it received’t mix as effectively.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides somewhat 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 can too use bottled.
• Contemporary Parsley (optionally available): Provides a pop of colour and recent, herby taste.
• Lemon (optionally available): Thinly slice and use to garnish if you wish to make it fairly.

Shopping for Cod

If 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 robust fishy odor. Fish shouldn’t scent fishy if it’s good.

In the event you’re utilizing frozen cod, ensure to thaw it fully 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 effectively. Simply keep watch over prepare dinner time: tilapia’s thinner and desires much less time (assume shave off a pair minutes), whereas thick cuts like halibut may have a couple of additional to get flaky and opaque right through.

The way to Know When It’s Completed

When your cod goes from see-through and glossy to strong white and begins flaking, it’s carried out. The interior 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 shortly if left within the oven too lengthy.

Serving Options

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.