Description
Follow these steps to bake cod fillets in the oven until the topping is golden brown and crispy while the fish remains moist.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 (6 ounce) cod fillets, about 1 inch thick
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Pat the cod fillets completely dry using paper towels. This step helps achieve crispiness.
- Brush the tops of the cod fillets lightly with olive oil. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Place the fillets on the prepared baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, dried parsley, and lemon zest. Mix well.
- Drizzle the melted butter over the panko mixture and toss gently until the crumbs are evenly moistened.
- Press the panko mixture firmly onto the top surface of each cod fillet, creating an even crust.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit and the topping is golden brown and crisp. Cooking time depends on fillet thickness.
- Serve immediately with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if desired.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, place a wire rack on the baking sheet and place the fish on the rack. This allows air to circulate underneath the fillet.
- Do not overcook the fish; cod dries out quickly. Check for doneness at 12 minutes.
- You can substitute panko with crushed saltine crackers for a different texture.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Unsaturated Fat: 6
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 32
- Cholesterol: 65