Simple Lemon Baked Cod

In the event you’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 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 straightforward 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 could be served over rice together with your favourite veggie on the facet, or preserve it mild and serve it with a easy, recent inexperienced salad. It’s a simple method 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: Ensure that it’s softened since you’ll be mixing it with different substances. Salted or unsalted is okay.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is what you need for the most effective soften and taste.
• All-Goal Flour: Helps create a barely thick, spreadable crust.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives the most effective taste, however jarred works too.
• Dried Basil: Provides a refined herbaceous be aware. Italian seasoning might be used as a substitute for a special taste twist.
• Onion Powder: Offers depth to the butter combination. Don’t substitute with recent onion—it received’t mix as effectively.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides a bit of tang and complexity. Yellow mustard can be utilized if wanted, however Dijon is most popular.
• Lemon Juice: Recent is finest for taste, however you may as well use bottled.
• Recent Parsley (non-obligatory): Provides a pop of coloration and recent, herby taste.
• Lemon (non-obligatory): Thinly slice and use to garnish if you wish to make it fairly.

Shopping for Cod

Whenever 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.

In the event you’re utilizing frozen cod, make sure that to thaw it fully within the fridge in a single day or below 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 effectively. 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.

Find out how to Know When It’s Performed

When your cod goes from see-through and glossy to strong 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 rapidly if left within the oven too lengthy.

Serving Strategies

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.