![- 4 cod fillets (6 oz each) - 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko) - 1 lemon, zested and sliced - Fresh herbs (parsley, dill) - Garlic powder - Onion powder - Paprika - Cayenne pepper (optional) - Olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste I love using fresh ingredients in my cooking. For this easy baked cod, I use four cod fillets, each weighing about six ounces. Cod is a mild fish that cooks well and has a nice texture. I recommend using panko breadcrumbs. They make the topping extra crispy. Zest a lemon to add a bright flavor. I also slice the lemon to place around the fish. Fresh herbs like parsley and dill give a nice finish to the dish. I like garlic and onion powder for depth. Paprika adds warmth, while cayenne gives a little kick, but it’s optional. For the oil, I use olive oil for its rich taste. It helps the breadcrumbs crisp up and keeps the fish moist. Don’t forget salt and pepper to enhance all the flavors. This combination makes the cod delicious and satisfying. You can find the full recipe above for all the details. 1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for even cooking. 2. Prepare your baking dish by lightly greasing it with olive oil. This helps prevent sticking. 1. Combine 1 cup of breadcrumbs with fresh herbs like parsley and dill in a bowl. 2. Add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix well. 3. Pour in 2 tablespoons of olive oil and stir until the breadcrumbs are coated. Adjust seasoning levels to taste. 1. Place the 4 cod fillets in the greased baking dish. Drizzle them with olive oil. 2. Season both sides of the fillets with salt and pepper. 3. Add the breadcrumb mixture evenly on top of each fillet. Press it down gently to stick. 4. For added flavor, place lemon slices around the fillets in the dish. 1. Bake the cod in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. 2. To check for doneness, use a fork. The cod should flake easily and look opaque. Now you have a simple and tasty dish ready to impress your family or guests! For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe. To get a crispy topping, I use panko breadcrumbs. They are light and crisp. Mix them with fresh herbs and spices. This adds flavor and crunch. Press the mixture onto the cod fillets. A firm press helps it stick well during baking. Keeping cod moist is also key. I drizzle olive oil over the fillets. This adds flavor and locks in moisture. Baking at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes works perfectly. The cod should flake easily when done. If you see a golden brown topping, you know it’s ready. For the best results, choose a good baking dish. A glass or ceramic dish works great. These materials heat evenly and show the fish well. I prefer a shallow dish. It allows the heat to circulate around the cod. You’ll need a few kitchen tools too. A mixing bowl helps combine the topping. A spatula makes serving easy. Use a fork to check if the cod flakes nicely. These tools keep the cooking process simple and fun. When it comes to sides, I love steamed veggies. Broccoli or asparagus pair well with cod. They add color and nutrients to the meal. A fresh salad is another good choice. It adds crunch and freshness. For presentation, serve the cod on a nice plate. Add a wedge of lemon and a sprinkle of parsley. This makes the dish look vibrant. It’s all about making it appealing and tasty. Don't forget to check the Full Recipe for more details! {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of your baked cod by using different herbs or spices. For example, try using basil or thyme for a fresh twist. You can also add some lemon zest for brightness. Using different types of fish can also work well. Instead of cod, try tilapia or haddock. These fish have a mild taste that pairs nicely with the same toppings. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. These can be found in most stores. You can also make your own by grinding gluten-free crackers or oats. For dairy-free needs, skip the butter or any dairy in your recipe. Olive oil works great as a substitute. You can also use dairy-free cheese if you want a cheesy crust. Broiling can give your cod a crispy texture. Place your dish under the broiler for the last few minutes of cooking. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning. Cooking in an air fryer is a quicker option. Set the air fryer to 375°F and cook for about 10-12 minutes. This method gives you a tasty, crispy fish without much fuss. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. To keep your baked cod fresh, first cool it to room temperature. Then, place the cod in an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. When freezing, wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. This method helps prevent freezer burn. The cod can last up to three months in the freezer. When you want to enjoy your cod again, there are a few easy ways to reheat it. The oven is the best method. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the cod on a baking sheet, cover it with foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps the fish moist. You can also use the microwave, but be careful. Heat it in short bursts to avoid drying it out. Add a small splash of water to keep it juicy. For extra flavor, consider adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving. Enjoy your meal! If you want the full recipe, check out the complete instructions above. How long does baked cod last in the fridge? Baked cod lasts about 3 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and safe to eat. Always check for any off smells before eating leftovers. Can I use frozen cod for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen cod. Just thaw it in the fridge before cooking. This helps the fish cook evenly. It’s best to avoid cooking from frozen, as it may not cook through properly. What wine pairs well with baked cod? A crisp white wine pairs well with baked cod. Options like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio enhance the dish's flavors. The acidity balances the fish's richness, making each bite delightful. Is baked cod healthy? Yes, baked cod is very healthy. It is low in calories and high in protein. Cod also provides essential omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for heart health. Plus, using fresh herbs and lemon adds nutrients without extra calories. Can I substitute other fish for cod? Absolutely! You can use haddock, tilapia, or even salmon. Each fish has a unique taste and texture. Just adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the fillets you choose. What’s the best way to tell if cod is cooked? The best way to check is by flaking it with a fork. Cooked cod should flake easily and be opaque all the way through. If it is still translucent or rubbery, it needs a bit more time in the oven. In this article, we explored how to bake cod to perfection. You learned about the main ingredients and how to mix them for a tasty topping. We outlined step-by-step instructions, plus helpful tips to achieve a crispy finish. You can also try fun variations to suit your taste or dietary needs. When storing leftovers, follow the best practices to keep them fresh. Overall, this method guarantees a delicious, healthy meal that’s easy to prepare. Now you're ready to cook and impress everyone at your table!](https://tossedrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/c6a0dd03-f41c-4ac2-9d22-85f88579a9ce-300x300.webp)
Easy Baked Cod Recipe
Discover the deliciousness of Zesty Herb-Crusted Baked Cod with this easy recipe! With a crispy breadcrumb topping infused with fresh herbs and zesty lemon, this dish is sure to impress at dinner. Prepare it in just 30 minutes for a healthy and satisfying meal that everyone will love. Click through to explore the full recipe and make your seafood night memorable!