Straightforward Lemon Baked Cod

For those who’re on the lookout for a quick, flavorful dinner that feels somewhat 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’re feeling such as you ordered one thing particular at a restaurant, however it solely takes quarter-hour begin to end.

In search of less difficult 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 an entire meal and could be served over rice along with your favourite veggie on the aspect, or hold it mild 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: Ensure that it’s softened since you’ll be mixing it with different elements. Salted or unsalted is okay.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is what you need for one of the best soften and taste.
• All-Function 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 delicate 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 contemporary onion—it received’t mix as properly.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides somewhat tang and complexity. Yellow mustard can be utilized if wanted, however Dijon is most popular.
• Lemon Juice: Contemporary is finest for taste, however you may as well use bottled.
• Contemporary Parsley (non-obligatory): Provides a pop of coloration and contemporary, 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 light scent. Keep away from items that look boring or have a powerful fishy odor. Fish shouldn’t scent fishy if it’s good.

For those who’re utilizing frozen cod, ensure to thaw it fully 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 cook dinner time: tilapia’s thinner and desires much less time (assume shave off a pair minutes), whereas thick cuts like halibut may have a couple of further to get flaky and opaque all through.

Methods 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 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 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 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.