Zesty Parmesan Crusted Cod

$- 4 cod fillets (approximately 6 ounces each) - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for an extra crunchy texture) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1/2 teaspoon paprika - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 lemon, thinly sliced (for garnish) - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) To make Parmesan crusted cod, these main ingredients are key. The cod provides a mild, flaky base. The Parmesan cheese gives a rich, salty flavor. Panko breadcrumbs add that lovely crunch. Garlic powder and lemon zest boost the taste. Oregano and paprika add depth. Salt and pepper enhance all flavors. - Fresh herbs like thyme or basil - A splash of hot sauce for heat - Grated lemon or lime zest for extra zing - Different cheese like cheddar or Gruyère You can mix up the recipe with these optional ingredients. Fresh herbs add brightness. Hot sauce gives it a kick. Zest from citrus adds freshness. Other cheeses can change the flavor profile too. - Baking sheet - Parchment paper - Medium-sized mixing bowl - Paper towels - Measuring cups and spoons - Fork for flaking cod These supplies make the cooking process easy. The baking sheet and parchment paper help with cleanup. A mixing bowl is perfect for combining ingredients. Paper towels help dry the cod, so the crust sticks better. Measuring cups and spoons ensure accurate ingredient amounts. A fork is essential for testing the cod's doneness. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is the perfect temperature for baking cod. While the oven heats, prepare a baking sheet. Line it with parchment paper. This step helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier. In a medium bowl, mix the following ingredients: - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko works best) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1/2 teaspoon paprika - Salt and black pepper to taste Stir until everything is well mixed. This crust will add crunch and flavor to your cod. Take your cod fillets, about 6 ounces each, and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the crust stick better. Place the fillets on the lined baking sheet. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over each fillet. This adds moisture and flavor. Press the Parmesan mixture firmly onto the top of each cod fillet. Cover the surface well for a tasty crunch. Now, place the baking sheet in the oven. Bake for about 15-20 minutes. The cod is ready when it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The crust should be golden brown and crunchy. After baking, let the cod rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the juices in. Finally, garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon slices for a bright, zesty touch. Enjoy your delicious meal! To get that perfect crunch, use panko breadcrumbs. They create a lighter and crispier texture. Mix them well with grated Parmesan cheese and spices. Press the mixture firmly onto the cod. This helps it stick during baking. Always pat the cod fillets dry before adding the crust. This helps the crust stick better. Bake the cod at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes. The fish should flake easily when done. If you want extra crispiness, broil the cod for the last 2 minutes. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning. Serve your Parmesan crusted cod with lemon slices. The fresh juice adds brightness and flavor. For sides, consider sautéed green beans or a light salad. Both options balance the dish and make it more colorful. You can also add a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and taste. Pro Tips Use Fresh Cod: Fresh cod fillets will provide a better flavor and texture than frozen ones. Look for fillets that are firm and have a mild scent. Customize the Crust: Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices to the Parmesan mixture, such as thyme or cayenne pepper, for an extra kick of flavor. Check for Doneness: To ensure the cod is perfectly cooked, use a fork to test if it flakes easily. If it does, it’s ready to enjoy! Serve with Sides: Pair this dish with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal that complements the rich flavor of the cod. {{image_4}} You can boost the flavor of your Parmesan crust with fresh herbs. Try adding chopped basil, thyme, or dill to the crumb mix. Each herb gives a new taste. For a spicy kick, mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes. This small change can make your dish exciting. Not a cod fan? You can use other fish like haddock or tilapia. Both have mild flavors and work well with the Parmesan crust. Salmon also tastes great, but it has a richer flavor. Adjust your cooking time for thicker fillets to ensure they cook through. Pair your Parmesan crusted fish with fresh vegetables. Roasted broccoli or green beans add color and crunch. A light side salad with lemon vinaigrette also complements the dish. For a heartier option, serve it with quinoa or rice. These sides balance the meal and add nutrition. After cooking your Parmesan crusted cod, let it cool for a bit. Place the leftovers in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. Keeping the cod sealed helps maintain its flavor and texture. When ready to eat, check for any off smells or changes in texture before reheating. To reheat your cod, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cod on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps the crust crispy while warming the inside. You can also use a microwave, but the crust may become soft. If you choose the microwave, heat on low power for a few minutes. You can freeze the cooked cod if you want to save it for later. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. Label the bag with the date and use within three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the cod in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in the oven for best results. You can tell cod is fully cooked when it turns opaque. Use a fork to check. If the fish flakes easily, it’s ready to eat. The crust should be golden brown and crunchy. A cooking time of 15-20 minutes at 400°F works well for tender cod. Yes, you can use other cheeses! Cheddar or Gruyère can work well. Just remember, these cheeses may change the flavor a bit. Parmesan gives a nutty taste that complements the cod nicely. You might also blend cheeses for a unique crust. This dish pairs well with many sides. Consider serving it with: - Sautéed vegetables - A light salad - Rice or quinoa - Mashed potatoes These sides enhance the meal and add color. To lower calories, use less cheese. You can also swap regular breadcrumbs for whole wheat or use less oil. Consider adding more herbs to boost flavor without extra calories. These tips keep your meal light but still tasty. In this blog post, we explored how to make delicious Parmesan crusted cod. We covered key ingredients and essential cooking supplies. You learned step-by-step instructions for perfect baking. I shared helpful tips for a crispy crust and alternative variations for this dish. Lastly, we discussed storage and reheating methods. Enjoy making this tasty meal. With simple steps, you can impress your family and friends. Happy cooking!$

A deliciously crunchy cod fillet topped with a zesty Parmesan crust, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Seafood

Servings 4

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

4 fillets cod (approximately 6 ounces each)
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
0.5 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest
1 teaspoon dried oregano
0.5 teaspoon paprika
to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 lemon (thinly sliced, for garnish)
to taste fresh parsley (finely chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, lemon zest, dried oregano, paprika, a pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir the mixture thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Take the cod fillets and use paper towels to pat them dry gently; this will help the crust adhere better. Arrange the fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil evenly over each fillet to enhance flavor and moisture.
Generously press the Parmesan mixture onto the top of each cod fillet, ensuring that you cover the surface evenly for a delightful crunch when baked.
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for approximately 15-20 minutes. The cod is done when it is opaque, flakes easily with a fork, and the crust has turned a beautiful golden brown and crunchy.
Once baked to perfection, remove the cod from the oven and allow it to rest for a couple of minutes; this helps the juices redistribute.
Finish by garnishing each fillet with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately with the lemon slices on the side for a refreshing squeeze over the fish.

Notes

For an elegant touch, serve the cod fillets on a white platter with lemon slices and additional parsley.

Keyword baked fish, cod, Parmesan, seafood recipe