Straightforward Lemon Baked Cod

In the event you’re searching for a quick, flavorful dinner that feels a bit of 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, however it solely takes quarter-hour begin to end.

In search of easier 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 simple to show this dish into a whole meal and might be served over rice together with your favourite veggie on the facet, or maintain it gentle and serve it with a easy, recent inexperienced salad. It’s a straightforward 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 recent or thawed cod. If utilizing frozen, thaw utterly and pat dry to take away extra moisture.
• Butter: Be sure 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 one of the best soften and taste.
• All-Objective Flour: Helps create a barely thick, spreadable crust.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic supplies one of the best taste, however jarred works too.
• Dried Basil: Provides a refined herbaceous notice. 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 recent onion—it gained’t mix as nicely.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides a bit of 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 may as well use bottled.
• Recent Parsley (elective): Provides a pop of coloration and recent, herby taste.
• Lemon (elective): Thinly slice and use to garnish if you wish to make it fairly.

Shopping for Cod

If you head to the shop to purchase your cod, search for agency, white fillets with a light odor. Keep away from items that look boring or have a powerful fishy odor. Fish shouldn’t odor fishy if it’s good.

In the event you’re utilizing frozen cod, be certain to thaw it utterly within the fridge in a single day or underneath 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 nicely. Simply keep watch over prepare dinner time: tilapia’s thinner and wishes much less time (suppose shave off a pair minutes), whereas thick cuts like halibut might have a number of additional to get flaky and opaque throughout.

Learn how to Know When It’s Performed

When your cod goes from see-through and glossy to stable white and begins flaking, it’s accomplished. 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 facet 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.