Lemony Herb Crusted Cod Recipe
Introduction
Lemony Herb Crusted Cod is a light and flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The zesty lemon and fresh herbs create a bright crust that complements the tender, flaky cod beautifully.
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons mixed fresh herbs (such as parsley, thyme, and dill), finely chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). In a small bowl, combine the lemon zest, chopped herbs, Parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs to create the crust mixture.
- Step 2: Place the cod fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Evenly spread the crust mixture on top of each fillet, pressing gently to adhere.
- Step 3: Bake the cod for 12–15 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Remove from the oven and serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crispiness, lightly drizzle olive oil over the crust before baking.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, crunchier texture.
- Substitute fresh herbs with dried herbs if fresh are unavailable, but use about one-third the quantity.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple salad for a balanced meal.
Storage
Store leftover cooked cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave to avoid drying out the fish.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of fish for this recipe?
Yes, firm white fish like haddock, halibut, or tilapia work well with the lemon herb crust.
How do I know when the cod is fully cooked?
The cod is done when it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Baking time may vary slightly depending on fillet thickness.
PrintLemony Herb Crusted Cod Recipe
This Lemony Herb Crusted Cod features tender white fish fillets topped with a zesty and savory crust made from fresh lemon zest, fragrant herbs, Parmesan cheese, and crispy breadcrumbs. Baked to perfection until flaky, this dish is a delightful combination of bright, herbaceous flavors and a crunchy golden topping, perfect for a light and elegant meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Cod
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces each)
For the Herb Crust
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)
- 2 tablespoons mixed fresh herbs, finely chopped (such as parsley, thyme, and basil)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3/4 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Herb Crust: In a medium bowl, combine lemon zest, chopped herbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs. Drizzle in the olive oil and mix well until the crumbs are evenly coated and the mixture holds together slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Season the Cod: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides lightly with salt and pepper. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
- Apply the Crust: Generously top each cod fillet with the lemon herb breadcrumb mixture, pressing it gently to adhere and form an even crust.
- Bake the Cod: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the crusted cod in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the fish flakes easily with a fork. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the fillets.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let rest for a minute. Serve the lemony herb crusted cod immediately with your choice of sides such as roasted vegetables, steamed rice, or a fresh salad.
Notes
- For added flavor, you can add a small amount of garlic powder or finely minced garlic to the crust mixture.
- If you prefer a crispier crust, you can broil the cod for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking, but watch closely to avoid burning.
- This recipe works well with other firm white fish like haddock or halibut.
- Fresh herbs are preferred, but dried herbs can be used—reduce the quantity to 1 teaspoon total if using dried.
- Make sure the fish fillets are dry before applying the crust to ensure the topping sticks better.
Keywords: cod recipe, lemon herb crust, baked fish, healthy fish recipe, parmesan crusted cod, easy seafood recipe
