Straightforward Lemon Baked Cod

If you happen to’re in search of a quick, flavorful dinner that feels a bit 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’re feeling such as you ordered one thing particular at a restaurant, but it surely solely takes quarter-hour begin to end.

Searching for easier 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 simple 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 gentle and serve it with a easy, contemporary inexperienced salad. It’s a simple approach to get dinner on the desk shortly 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 sure 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 refined herbaceous be aware. Italian seasoning may very well be used as a substitute for a unique taste twist.
• Onion Powder: Provides depth to the butter combination. Don’t substitute with contemporary onion—it gained’t mix as properly.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides a bit tang and complexity. Yellow mustard can be utilized if wanted, however Dijon is most popular.
• Lemon Juice: Contemporary is greatest for taste, however you can even use bottled.
• Contemporary Parsley (optionally available): Provides a pop of coloration and contemporary, herby taste.
• Lemon (optionally available): 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 uninteresting or have a robust fishy odor. Fish shouldn’t scent fishy if it’s good.

If you happen to’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 properly. Simply keep watch over prepare dinner time: tilapia’s thinner and wishes much less time (assume shave off a pair minutes), whereas thick cuts like halibut might have a number of further to get flaky and opaque during.

How one can Know When It’s Finished

When your cod goes from see-through and glossy to strong white and begins flaking, it’s completed. The inner temperature ought to attain 145°F (63°C) in case you’re utilizing a thermometer. Watch out to not overcook it. Cod is a lean fish and dries out shortly 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.