Straightforward Lemon Baked Cod

Should you’re searching for a quick, flavorful dinner that feels slightly 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 form 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 simpler 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 will be served over rice along with your favourite veggie on the facet, or hold it mild and serve it with a easy, contemporary 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 contemporary or thawed cod. If utilizing frozen, thaw utterly 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 ok.
• 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 gives the very best taste, however jarred works too.
• Dried Basil: Provides a delicate herbaceous notice. Italian seasoning might be used as an alternative for a distinct taste twist.
• Onion Powder: Offers depth to the butter combination. Don’t substitute with contemporary 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 well-liked.
• Lemon Juice: Recent is greatest for taste, however you too can use bottled.
• Recent Parsley (non-compulsory): Provides a pop of coloration and contemporary, herby taste.
• Lemon (non-compulsory): 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 scent. Keep away from items that look boring or have a robust fishy odor. Fish shouldn’t scent fishy if it’s good.

Should you’re utilizing frozen cod, be certain that to thaw it utterly 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 (suppose shave off a pair minutes), whereas thick cuts like halibut may have a couple of additional to get flaky and opaque all through.

The best way to Know When It’s Completed

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

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.