Simple Lemon Baked Cod

In case you’re searching for a quick, flavorful dinner that feels slightly 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, but it surely 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 straightforward to show this dish into a whole meal and will be served over rice along with your favourite veggie on the aspect, or hold it gentle and serve it with a easy, recent inexperienced salad. It’s a simple strategy 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 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-Goal 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: Provides depth to the butter combination. Don’t substitute with recent onion—it gained’t mix as nicely.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides slightly tang and complexity. Yellow mustard can be utilized if wanted, however Dijon is most popular.
• Lemon Juice: Recent is greatest for taste, however you may also use bottled.
• Recent Parsley (non-obligatory): Provides a pop of shade 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 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 case you’re utilizing frozen cod, make certain 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 nicely. Simply control prepare 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 further to get flaky and opaque throughout.

The right way to Know When It’s Finished

When your cod goes from see-through and glossy to strong white and begins flaking, it’s achieved. The inner 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 aspect 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.