Straightforward Lemon Baked Cod

Should you’re on the lookout for a quick, flavorful dinner that feels a bit of 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’re feeling such as you ordered one thing particular at a restaurant, nevertheless it solely takes quarter-hour begin to end.

On the lookout for less difficult fish recipes? Strive our Easy Air Fryer Salmon.

It’s straightforward to show this dish into a whole meal and might 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 simple solution 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 elements. Salted or unsalted is ok.
• 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 refined herbaceous observe. Italian seasoning might be used as an alternative for a unique taste twist.
• Onion Powder: Provides depth to the butter combination. Don’t substitute with contemporary onion—it received’t mix as nicely.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides a bit of tang and complexity. Yellow mustard can be utilized if wanted, however Dijon is most well-liked.
• Lemon Juice: Recent is finest for taste, however you can even use bottled.
• Recent Parsley (elective): Provides a pop of colour and contemporary, herby taste.
• Lemon (elective): Thinly slice and use to garnish if you wish to make it fairly.

Shopping for Cod

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

Should you’re utilizing frozen cod, be certain that to thaw it fully within the fridge in a single day or beneath 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 nicely. Simply regulate cook dinner time: tilapia’s thinner and wishes much less time (suppose shave off a pair minutes), whereas thick cuts like halibut might have just a few further to get flaky and opaque throughout.

Methods to Know When It’s Achieved

When your cod goes from see-through and glossy to stable white and begins flaking, it’s executed. The inner temperature ought to attain 145°F (63°C) if you happen to’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 Recommendations

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.