Simple Lemon Baked Cod

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

In search of simpler fish recipes? Attempt our Easy Air Fryer Salmon.

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 maintain it mild and serve it with a easy, contemporary inexperienced salad. It’s a straightforward technique 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 utterly and pat dry to take away extra moisture.
• Butter: Be certain that it’s softened since you’ll be mixing it with different substances. Salted or unsalted is okay.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is what you need for one of the best soften and taste.
• All-Objective Flour: Helps create a barely thick, spreadable crust.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic offers one of the best taste, however jarred works too.
• Dried Basil: Provides a refined herbaceous observe. 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 slightly tang and complexity. Yellow mustard can be utilized if wanted, however Dijon is most popular.
• Lemon Juice: Contemporary is greatest for taste, however you too can use bottled.
• Contemporary Parsley (non-compulsory): Provides a pop of shade and contemporary, herby taste.
• Lemon (non-compulsory): 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 light scent. Keep away from items that look boring or have a robust fishy odor. Fish shouldn’t scent fishy if it’s good.

If you happen to’re utilizing frozen cod, be certain to thaw it utterly 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 effectively. 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 might have just a few further to get flaky and opaque during.

Learn how 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 interior temperature ought to attain 145°F (63°C) when 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 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.