Straightforward Lemon Baked Cod

When you’re in search of a quick, flavorful dinner that feels a little bit 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, however it solely takes quarter-hour begin to end.

Searching for simpler fish recipes? Strive 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 simple to show this dish into an entire meal and will be served over rice along with your favourite veggie on the aspect, or hold it gentle and serve it with a easy, recent 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 recent or thawed cod. If utilizing frozen, thaw fully and pat dry to take away extra moisture.
• Butter: Be sure that it’s softened since you’ll be mixing it with different components. Salted or unsalted is ok.
• 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 be aware. Italian seasoning could possibly be used as a substitute for a special taste twist.
• Onion Powder: Offers depth to the butter combination. Don’t substitute with recent onion—it gained’t mix as properly.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides a little bit tang and complexity. Yellow mustard can be utilized if wanted, however Dijon is most popular.
• Lemon Juice: Contemporary is finest for taste, however it’s also possible to use bottled.
• Contemporary Parsley (elective): Provides a pop of coloration and recent, herby taste.
• Lemon (elective): Thinly slice and use to garnish if you wish to make it fairly.

Shopping for Cod

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

When you’re utilizing frozen cod, ensure that to thaw it fully within the fridge in a single day or below 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 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 just a few additional to get flaky and opaque all through.

Learn how to Know When It’s Finished

When your cod goes from see-through and glossy to strong white and begins flaking, it’s performed. 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 Recommendations

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.