Simple Lemon Baked Cod

In case you’re searching for a quick, flavorful dinner that feels just a little 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’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 less difficult fish recipes? Strive 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 might 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 fully and pat dry to take away extra moisture.
• Butter: Be certain that 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 very best soften and taste.
• All-Objective Flour: Helps create a barely thick, spreadable crust.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic offers the very best taste, however jarred works too.
• Dried Basil: Provides a delicate herbaceous word. Italian seasoning may very well be used as a substitute for a special taste twist.
• Onion Powder: Provides depth to the butter combination. Don’t substitute with recent onion—it gained’t mix as properly.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides just a little tang and complexity. Yellow mustard can be utilized if wanted, however Dijon is most popular.
• Lemon Juice: Contemporary is finest for taste, however you too can use bottled.
• Contemporary Parsley (optionally available): Provides a pop of coloration and recent, herby taste.
• Lemon (optionally available): 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 gentle odor. Keep away from items that look uninteresting or have a robust 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 beneath 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 (suppose shave off a pair minutes), whereas thick cuts like halibut may have a couple of further to get flaky and opaque all through.

The right 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 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 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.