Simple Lemon Baked Cod

In case you’re on the lookout for a quick, flavorful dinner that feels just a little 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 are feeling such as you ordered one thing particular at a restaurant, however it solely takes quarter-hour begin to end.

Searching for less difficult 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 a whole meal and might be served over rice together with your favourite veggie on the aspect, or hold it gentle and serve it with a easy, contemporary inexperienced salad. It’s a simple option to get dinner on the desk shortly 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 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-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 delicate herbaceous word. Italian seasoning could possibly be used as an alternative for a unique taste twist.
• Onion Powder: Provides depth to the butter combination. Don’t substitute with contemporary onion—it received’t mix as properly.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides just a little tang and complexity. Yellow mustard can be utilized if wanted, however Dijon is most popular.
• Lemon Juice: Contemporary is finest for taste, however you may as well use bottled.
• Contemporary Parsley (non-compulsory): Provides a pop of coloration and contemporary, herby taste.
• Lemon (non-compulsory): 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 gentle odor. Keep away from items that look uninteresting or have a robust fishy odor. Fish shouldn’t odor fishy if it’s good.

In case you’re utilizing frozen cod, make sure that to thaw it fully within the fridge in a single day or underneath 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 control cook dinner time: tilapia’s thinner and wishes much less time (suppose shave off a pair minutes), whereas thick cuts like halibut may have a number of additional to get flaky and opaque all over.

How one can Know When It’s Completed

When your cod goes from see-through and glossy to stable white and begins flaking, it’s performed. The interior temperature ought to attain 145°F (63°C) when you’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 Strategies

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.