Baked Cod Lemon Herb (Printable)
Tender cod with a crisp, golden panko crust seasoned with fresh herbs and lemon zest.
# Ingredient List:
→ Fish
01 - 4 skinless cod fillets, each 6 oz
02 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
03 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ Panko Topping
04 - 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
05 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
06 - 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped (optional)
07 - Zest of 1 lemon
08 - 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
09 - 1 garlic clove, minced
10 - 3 tablespoons olive oil
11 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
12 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ For Baking
13 - 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing baking dish)
14 - Lemon wedges, for serving
# Steps:
01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a baking dish large enough to hold the cod fillets in a single layer.
02 - Pat cod fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with salt and black pepper. Arrange fillets in the prepared baking dish.
03 - In a medium bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, parsley, dill if using, lemon zest, Parmesan if using, minced garlic, olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix until evenly moistened.
04 - Evenly spoon the panko mixture over each fillet, pressing gently to adhere.
05 - Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until cod is opaque, flakes easily with a fork, and the topping is golden brown.
06 - Serve immediately garnished with lemon wedges.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The crust stays crispy and golden while the fish beneath stays impossibly tender, no dry overcooked edges.
- Fifteen minutes of hands-on work means you can spend time with people instead of standing at the stove.
- It works for weeknight dinners and fancy enough for when someone brings wine.
02 -
- Wet fish makes a soggy topping every single time—drying the fillets is the difference between success and disappointment.
- Don't overbake cod; it goes from tender to rubbery in about two minutes, so set a timer and trust it.
03 -
- Toast the panko in a dry skillet for two minutes before mixing with oil—it deepens the flavor and keeps it crispier in the oven.
- Add a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes to the topping for warmth without heat, a trick that makes people pause and ask what it is.