Simple Lemon Baked Cod

In the event you’re searching 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 form of dinner that makes you are 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 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 an entire meal and could be served over rice together with your favourite veggie on the facet, or hold it mild and serve it with a easy, recent inexperienced salad. It’s a straightforward strategy 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 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 ok.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is what you need for the perfect soften and taste.
• All-Objective Flour: Helps create a barely thick, spreadable crust.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic offers the perfect taste, however jarred works too.
• Dried Basil: Provides a refined herbaceous be aware. Italian seasoning might be used as a substitute for a distinct taste twist.
• Onion Powder: Offers depth to the butter combination. Don’t substitute with recent onion—it received’t mix as nicely.
• 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 greatest for taste, however you may as well 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

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

In the event you’re utilizing frozen cod, make certain to thaw it utterly 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 nicely. Simply regulate cook dinner time: tilapia’s thinner and desires much less time (assume shave off a pair minutes), whereas thick cuts like halibut might have just a few additional to get flaky and opaque all through.

Find out how to Know When It’s Achieved

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

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.