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Lemony Herb Crusted Cod Recipe

4.5 from 150 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Apply the Crust: Generously top each cod fillet with the lemon herb breadcrumb mixture, pressing it gently to adhere and form an even crust.
  4. 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.
  5. 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