Straightforward Lemon Baked Cod

In case you’re in search of a quick, flavorful dinner that feels a 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 type 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.

In search of less difficult fish recipes? Strive our Easy Air Fryer Salmon.

It’s straightforward to show this dish into an entire meal and might be served over rice together with your favourite veggie on the facet, or hold it gentle and serve it with a easy, contemporary 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 contemporary or thawed cod. If utilizing frozen, thaw utterly and pat dry to take away extra moisture.
• Butter: Be sure 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-Function Flour: Helps create a barely thick, spreadable crust.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic offers the very best taste, however jarred works too.
• Dried Basil: Provides a refined herbaceous word. Italian seasoning could possibly be used as a substitute for a unique taste twist.
• Onion Powder: Offers depth to the butter combination. Don’t substitute with contemporary onion—it received’t mix as properly.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides a 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 (elective): Provides a pop of coloration 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 light scent. Keep away from items that look uninteresting or have a powerful fishy odor. Fish shouldn’t scent fishy if it’s good.

In case you’re utilizing frozen cod, make 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 properly. Simply control prepare dinner time: tilapia’s thinner and wishes much less time (suppose shave off a pair minutes), whereas thick cuts like halibut might have a number of additional to get flaky and opaque throughout.

How you can Know When It’s Accomplished

When your cod goes from see-through and glossy to strong white and begins flaking, it’s accomplished. The inner 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 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.