Straightforward Lemon Baked Cod

Should 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 type of dinner that makes you are feeling such as you ordered one thing particular at a restaurant, nevertheless it solely takes quarter-hour begin to end.

In search of easier 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 a whole meal and will be served over rice together with your favourite veggie on the aspect, or maintain it mild and serve it with a easy, contemporary inexperienced salad. It’s a straightforward strategy 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 components. Salted or unsalted is ok.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is what you need for one of the best soften and taste.
• All-Goal Flour: Helps create a barely thick, spreadable crust.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives one of the best taste, however jarred works too.
• Dried Basil: Provides a delicate herbaceous notice. 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 contemporary onion—it gained’t mix as effectively.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides just a little tang and complexity. Yellow mustard can be utilized if wanted, however Dijon is most popular.
• Lemon Juice: Recent is greatest for taste, however you may as well use bottled.
• Recent Parsley (elective): Provides a pop of shade and contemporary, herby taste.
• Lemon (elective): Thinly slice and use to garnish if you wish to make it fairly.

Shopping for Cod

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

Should you’re utilizing frozen cod, make certain to thaw it fully 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 wishes much less time (assume shave off a pair minutes), whereas thick cuts like halibut might have a number of further to get flaky and opaque throughout.

Methods to Know When It’s Finished

When your cod goes from see-through and glossy to stable white and begins flaking, it’s completed. 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 Options

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.