Simple Lemon Baked Cod

In case you’re in search of a quick, flavorful dinner that feels a bit 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 type 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 easier 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 straightforward to show this dish into an entire meal and might be served over rice along with your favourite veggie on the facet, or maintain it mild and serve it with a easy, contemporary inexperienced salad. It’s a straightforward solution to get dinner on the desk rapidly and it’s good for you too!

Ingredient Notes

• Cod Fish: Search for 6-ounce parts of contemporary or thawed cod. If utilizing frozen, thaw utterly and pat dry to take away extra moisture.
• Butter: Make certain it’s softened since you’ll be mixing it with different components. Salted or unsalted is okay.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is what you need for the very best soften and taste.
• All-Function Flour: Helps create a barely thick, spreadable crust.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic supplies the very best taste, however jarred works too.
• Dried Basil: Provides a delicate herbaceous be aware. Italian seasoning could possibly be used as an alternative for a special taste twist.
• Onion Powder: Offers depth to the butter combination. Don’t substitute with contemporary onion—it received’t mix as nicely.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides a bit tang and complexity. Yellow mustard can be utilized if wanted, however Dijon is most well-liked.
• Lemon Juice: Recent is finest for taste, however you may as well use bottled.
• Recent Parsley (optionally available): Provides a pop of colour and contemporary, herby taste.
• Lemon (optionally available): 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 gentle odor. Keep away from items that look boring or have a robust fishy odor. Fish shouldn’t odor fishy if it’s good.

In case you’re utilizing frozen cod, be sure to thaw it utterly within the fridge in a single day or beneath 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 nicely. Simply keep watch over cook dinner time: tilapia’s thinner and desires much less time (assume shave off a pair minutes), whereas thick cuts like halibut may have a number of additional to get flaky and opaque all over.

How you can Know When It’s Finished

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) for those who’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 facet 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.