Straightforward Lemon Baked Cod

If you happen to’re searching for 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 type of dinner that makes you are feeling such as you ordered one thing particular at a restaurant, nevertheless it solely takes quarter-hour begin to end.

In search of 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 simple to show this dish into a whole meal and will be served over rice along with your favourite veggie on the aspect, or maintain it mild and serve it with a easy, recent inexperienced salad. It’s a simple option 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 certain it’s softened since you’ll be mixing it with different elements. Salted or unsalted is okay.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is what you need for one of the best soften and taste.
• All-Function Flour: Helps create a barely thick, spreadable crust.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives one of the best taste, however jarred works too.
• Dried Basil: Provides a refined herbaceous observe. Italian seasoning might be used as an alternative for a unique taste twist.
• Onion Powder: Provides depth to the butter combination. Don’t substitute with recent onion—it received’t mix as effectively.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides a little 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 can too use bottled.
• Recent Parsley (non-compulsory): Provides a pop of colour and recent, 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 light odor. Keep away from items that look uninteresting or have a robust fishy odor. Fish shouldn’t odor fishy if it’s good.

If you happen to’re utilizing frozen cod, be certain 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 effectively. Simply regulate prepare dinner time: tilapia’s thinner and desires much less time (assume shave off a pair minutes), whereas thick cuts like halibut may have a couple of additional to get flaky and opaque all over.

Methods to Know When It’s Completed

When your cod goes from see-through and glossy to stable white and begins flaking, it’s carried out. The interior temperature ought to attain 145°F (63°C) in the event 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 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.