Simple Lemon Baked Cod

In case you’re searching for a quick, flavorful dinner that feels a bit 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 sort of dinner that makes you are feeling such as you ordered one thing particular at a restaurant, but it surely solely takes quarter-hour begin to end.

Searching for simpler 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 aspect, or preserve it gentle and serve it with a easy, contemporary inexperienced salad. It’s a simple approach 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 certain that 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 very best soften and taste.
• All-Goal Flour: Helps create a barely thick, spreadable crust.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic supplies the very best taste, however jarred works too.
• Dried Basil: Provides a delicate herbaceous word. Italian seasoning might be used as a substitute for a special taste twist.
• Onion Powder: Provides depth to the butter combination. Don’t substitute with contemporary onion—it received’t mix as effectively.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides a bit 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 (optionally available): Provides a pop of shade and contemporary, herby taste.
• Lemon (optionally available): 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 light odor. Keep away from items that look uninteresting or have a powerful fishy odor. Fish shouldn’t odor fishy if it’s good.

In case you’re utilizing frozen cod, make sure that to thaw it fully within the fridge in a single day or below 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 effectively. Simply keep watch over cook 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 all over.

How you can Know When It’s Finished

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