Straightforward Lemon Baked Cod

When you’re in search of a quick, flavorful dinner that feels a little 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 type of dinner that makes you’re 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? 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 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, recent inexperienced salad. It’s a simple option to get dinner on the desk shortly 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: Ensure it’s softened since you’ll be mixing it with different components. Salted or unsalted is okay.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is what you need for the most effective soften and taste.
• All-Function Flour: Helps create a barely thick, spreadable crust.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives the most effective taste, however jarred works too.
• Dried Basil: Provides a delicate herbaceous observe. Italian seasoning could possibly be used as a substitute for a unique taste twist.
• Onion Powder: Offers depth to the butter combination. Don’t substitute with recent onion—it gained’t mix as effectively.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides a little bit 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 may also use bottled.
• Recent Parsley (non-obligatory): Provides a pop of coloration and recent, herby taste.
• Lemon (non-obligatory): Thinly slice and use to garnish if you wish to make it fairly.

Shopping for Cod

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

When you’re utilizing frozen cod, ensure to thaw it utterly 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 effectively. Simply regulate cook dinner time: tilapia’s thinner and desires 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 throughout.

How one can Know When It’s Finished

When your cod goes from see-through and glossy to stable white and begins flaking, it’s executed. The inner 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 shortly 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.