Straightforward Lemon Baked Cod

Should you’re on the lookout for a quick, flavorful dinner that feels somewhat 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 form 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.

On the lookout for easier 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 may be served over rice along with your favourite veggie on the facet, or maintain it mild and serve it with a easy, contemporary inexperienced salad. It’s a simple solution 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: Be sure that 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 the very best soften and taste.
• All-Function Flour: Helps create a barely thick, spreadable crust.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic offers the very best taste, however jarred works too.
• Dried Basil: Provides a refined herbaceous observe. Italian seasoning might be used as an alternative for a special taste twist.
• Onion Powder: Offers depth to the butter combination. Don’t substitute with contemporary onion—it received’t mix as properly.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides somewhat tang and complexity. Yellow mustard can be utilized if wanted, however Dijon is most well-liked.
• Lemon Juice: Contemporary is greatest for taste, however you may also use bottled.
• Contemporary Parsley (non-obligatory): Provides a pop of colour 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 gentle scent. Keep away from items that look boring or have a powerful fishy odor. Fish shouldn’t scent fishy if it’s good.

Should you’re utilizing frozen cod, be certain that to thaw it fully within the fridge in a single day or beneath 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 regulate prepare dinner time: tilapia’s thinner and wishes much less time (assume shave off a pair minutes), whereas thick cuts like halibut might have just a few additional to get flaky and opaque all over.

Learn how to Know When It’s Executed

When your cod goes from see-through and glossy to strong white and begins flaking, it’s finished. The interior temperature ought to attain 145°F (63°C) if you happen to’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 Options

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.