How to Make the Perfect Lemon Herb Baked Cod
American · Easy · 25 min · 4 servings
Tender flaky cod baked with a bright lemon herb crust that is simple yet deeply flavorful. Fresh parsley, garlic, and zesty lemon transform humble cod into an elegant weeknight dinner.
Why this recipe works
This Lemon Herb Baked Cod recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 25 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 280 calories with 36g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 10 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1.5 lbs cod fillets
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 whole lemon zested and juiced
- 0.25 cup fresh parsley chopped
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 0.33 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly brush with olive oil. Pat cod fillets dry and place them on the prepared baking sheet with space between each piece.
Step 2: Make Herb Butter
Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium low heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but do not let it brown. Remove from heat and stir in lemon zest, parsley, and thyme.
Step 3: Prepare Breadcrumb Topping
In a small bowl combine panko breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon of the herb butter mixture and a pinch of salt. Stir until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated and slightly clumpy.
Step 4: Bake the Cod
Spoon the remaining herb butter evenly over each cod fillet. Top each piece with a generous layer of the seasoned panko mixture pressing lightly to adhere. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the crust is golden and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Remove from the oven and squeeze fresh lemon juice over each fillet immediately. Let rest for 2 minutes before plating. Garnish with additional fresh parsley and serve with roasted vegetables or a light salad.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- cod → haddock or halibut
- panko breadcrumbs → crushed crackers for a gluten free option
- fresh thyme → dried thyme using half the amount
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Skipping drying the fish which creates steam and makes the breadcrumb topping soggy
- Overbaking the cod past the point where it becomes rubbery and dry
- Using cold butter which does not blend evenly with the herbs and garlic
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 280 calories, 36g protein, 8g carbs, 11g fat, 1g fiber.
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