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Crispy Baked Cod Delight Easy Herb-Infused Golden Crust Recipe

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A quick and easy baked cod recipe featuring a crispy, herb-infused golden crust that is tender and flaky inside. Perfect for weeknights, this dish delivers satisfying crunch and bold flavor with simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound cod fillets, skinless and boneless (fresh or thawed)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (Japanese panko preferred)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Optional: 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. In a medium bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, chopped parsley, thyme leaves, minced garlic, lemon zest, and optional grated Parmesan. Mix until the butter coats the breadcrumbs evenly and the mixture looks moist but crumbly.
  3. Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. Lightly brush both sides with olive oil and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  4. Place the cod fillets spaced apart on a prepared rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  5. Press the herb crust firmly onto the top of each cod fillet.
  6. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the cod flakes easily with a fork and the crust is golden brown. Start checking at 12 minutes to avoid overbaking.
  7. Optional: For an extra-crispy top, switch the oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
  8. Remove from the oven and let rest for 3 minutes to allow the crust to set and juices to redistribute.
  9. Serve immediately, garnished with a lemon wedge or fresh herbs.

Notes

Pat the cod dry thoroughly before seasoning to ensure crispiness. Press the crust firmly onto the fish to prevent it from falling off during baking. Rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking for even crust browning. For gluten-free, substitute panko with almond flour or gluten-free panko. For dairy-free, replace butter with coconut oil or neutral vegetable oil and omit Parmesan or use dairy-free cheese. Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes to maintain crust crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked cod, crispy cod, herb crust, easy fish recipe, quick dinner, seafood, healthy dinner, panko crust, cod fillets

Find it online: https://larameals.com/crispy-baked-cod-delight-easy-herb-infused-golden-crust-recipe/