Craving a restaurant-quality seafood dish that's incredibly easy to make at home? Get ready to transform your weeknight dinner with this mouthwatering Baked Cod with Panko recipe that promises a crispy, golden exterior and perfectly tender fish inside! Whether you're a seafood enthusiast or someone looking to add more nutritious meals to your repertoire, this recipe will have you looking like a culinary master with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Seafood
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lemon, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Pat the cod fillets dry using paper towels. This helps the breadcrumb mixture adhere better and ensures a crispy coating.
- In a shallow dish, mix panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Brush each cod fillet with olive oil on both sides, ensuring an even coating to help the breadcrumb mixture stick.
- Dredge each fillet in the panko mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere completely and cover the fish evenly.
- Arrange the breaded cod fillets on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece for even cooking.
- Place lemon slices around and on top of the cod fillets to infuse additional flavor during baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork and the breadcrumb coating is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the fish to finish cooking and settle.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional fresh lemon wedges and optional chopped parsley for added freshness.
Tips
- Always pat your cod fillets completely dry before breading to ensure maximum crispiness and help the panko coating adhere perfectly.
- Use fresh, high-quality cod for the best flavor and texture. Look for firm, white fish without any strong fishy smell.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet - leave space between fillets to allow hot air to circulate and create an even, crispy coating.
- For extra flavor, experiment with adding herbs like dill or thyme to your panko mixture, or try using different types of cheese instead of Parmesan.
- Check the fish early - cod cooks quickly and can dry out if overcooked. It's done when it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Let the fish rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender result.
- Serve immediately for the crispiest texture, and pair with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 151kcal
Carbohydrates: 7g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 23mg
