Simple Lemon Baked Cod

For those who’re in search of a quick, flavorful dinner that feels a bit of 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, nevertheless it solely takes quarter-hour begin to end.

Searching for simpler fish recipes? Attempt 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 a whole meal and might be served over rice along with your favourite veggie on the facet, or preserve it mild and serve it with a easy, contemporary 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 contemporary or thawed cod. If utilizing frozen, thaw fully and pat dry to take away extra moisture.
• Butter: Ensure it’s softened since you’ll be mixing it with different substances. 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 gives the perfect taste, however jarred works too.
• Dried Basil: Provides a refined herbaceous notice. Italian seasoning might be used as a substitute for a unique taste twist.
• Onion Powder: Provides depth to the butter combination. Don’t substitute with contemporary onion—it gained’t mix as nicely.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides a bit of 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 can too use bottled.
• Recent Parsley (non-obligatory): Provides a pop of coloration and contemporary, herby taste.
• Lemon (non-obligatory): Thinly slice and use to garnish if you wish to make it fairly.

Shopping for Cod

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

For those who’re utilizing frozen cod, be certain 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 nicely. Simply keep watch over cook dinner time: tilapia’s thinner and desires much less time (suppose shave off a pair minutes), whereas thick cuts like halibut might have just a few additional to get flaky and opaque throughout.

Easy methods to Know When It’s Achieved

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) 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 Solutions

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 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.