Straightforward Lemon Baked Cod

In case you’re in search of a quick, flavorful dinner that feels a little 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 sort of dinner that makes you are feeling such as you ordered one thing particular at a restaurant, however it solely takes quarter-hour begin to end.

Searching for less difficult 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 simple to show this dish into an entire meal and will be served over rice together with your favourite veggie on the facet, or hold it mild and serve it with a easy, recent inexperienced salad. It’s a straightforward solution 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: Make certain 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-Objective 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 notice. Italian seasoning might be used as a substitute for a distinct taste twist.
• Onion Powder: Provides depth to the butter combination. Don’t substitute with recent onion—it received’t mix as properly.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides a little bit tang and complexity. Yellow mustard can be utilized if wanted, however Dijon is most popular.
• Lemon Juice: Recent is finest for taste, however you may as well use bottled.
• Recent Parsley (optionally available): Provides a pop of shade and recent, herby taste.
• Lemon (optionally available): 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 scent. Keep away from items that look uninteresting or have a robust fishy odor. Fish shouldn’t scent 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 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 regulate prepare 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 during.

Find out how to Know When It’s Carried out

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) for those who’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 Ideas

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.