Simple Lemon Baked Cod

For those who’re searching for a quick, flavorful dinner that feels a bit of 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 form 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.

Searching for less difficult fish recipes? Strive our Easy Air Fryer Salmon.

It’s simple to show this dish into a whole meal and will be served over rice along with your favourite veggie on the facet, or preserve it gentle and serve it with a easy, recent inexperienced salad. It’s a simple 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 recent or thawed cod. If utilizing frozen, thaw fully and pat dry to take away extra moisture.
• Butter: Ensure that it’s softened since you’ll be mixing it with different substances. 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 could possibly be used as an alternative for a special taste twist.
• Onion Powder: Offers depth to the butter combination. Don’t substitute with recent onion—it gained’t mix as effectively.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides a bit of tang and complexity. Yellow mustard can be utilized if wanted, however Dijon is most popular.
• Lemon Juice: Recent is greatest for taste, however you can too use bottled.
• Recent Parsley (non-obligatory): Provides a pop of colour and recent, herby taste.
• Lemon (non-obligatory): 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 odor. Keep away from items that look uninteresting or have a powerful fishy odor. Fish shouldn’t odor fishy if it’s good.

For those who’re utilizing frozen cod, be certain 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 effectively. Simply control cook dinner time: tilapia’s thinner and wishes much less time (assume shave off a pair minutes), whereas thick cuts like halibut may have just a few further to get flaky and opaque right through.

Know When It’s Performed

When your cod goes from see-through and glossy to stable white and begins flaking, it’s accomplished. 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 rapidly if left within the oven too lengthy.

Serving Solutions

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 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.