Straightforward Lemon Baked Cod

If you happen to’re on the lookout for a quick, flavorful dinner that feels a little bit 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 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 simpler fish recipes? Strive our Easy Air Fryer Salmon.

It’s straightforward to show this dish into an entire meal and could be served over rice along with your favourite veggie on the aspect, or preserve it gentle and serve it with a easy, recent inexperienced salad. It’s a simple approach 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 utterly 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 okay.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is what you need for the perfect soften and taste.
• All-Function Flour: Helps create a barely thick, spreadable crust.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic offers the perfect taste, however jarred works too.
• Dried Basil: Provides a delicate herbaceous observe. Italian seasoning might be used as a substitute for a distinct taste twist.
• Onion Powder: Offers depth to the butter combination. Don’t substitute with recent onion—it received’t mix as effectively.
• 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 greatest for taste, however it’s also possible to 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

While 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.

If you happen to’re utilizing frozen cod, be certain that 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 may have just a few further to get flaky and opaque all over.

Know When It’s Carried out

When your cod goes from see-through and glossy to strong white and begins flaking, it’s carried out. The interior temperature ought to attain 145°F (63°C) should 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 aspect 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.