Garlic Parmesan Crusted Cod

$To make Garlic Parmesan Crusted Cod, gather these fresh ingredients: - 4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces each) - 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch) - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat) - 1/4 cup olive oil - Juice of 1 lemon Using fresh ingredients is key to great flavor. Fresh garlic enhances the dish's aroma and taste. Fresh parsley adds a burst of color and freshness. Cod fillets should be firm and smell clean. Fresh Parmesan cheese melts better and gives a rich taste. When you use fresh items, your meal shines with flavor. If you need to convert measurements, here are some helpful tips: - 1 cup equals 8 ounces. - 1 tablespoon equals 3 teaspoons. - 1/2 cup equals 4 ounces. - 1 lemon typically provides about 2 tablespoons of juice. These conversions help ensure your dish turns out just right. Accurate measurements keep the balance of flavors and textures perfect. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, you need to preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat helps the cod cook fast and evenly. Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easy and helps prevent sticking. In a medium bowl, mix together the following dry ingredients: - 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko is best) - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat) Blend these ingredients well until they are fully combined. Then, drizzle in 1/4 cup olive oil. Stir again until the mixture is moist but not soggy. This mix will give the cod a crunchy top. Take 4 cod fillets, each about 6 ounces. Pat each fillet dry with paper towels. This step removes extra moisture. Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper. This adds flavor to the fish. Place the fillets on the lined baking sheet. Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over each fillet for a fresh taste. Now, evenly spread the garlic Parmesan mixture on top of each cod fillet. Press down gently to help it stick. Bake in your preheated oven for 12-15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the topping is golden brown and crispy. The fish should flake easily with a fork. Just before serving, drizzle with the rest of the lemon juice for extra flavor. To get a crispy crust, use panko breadcrumbs. They are light and airy. Mix them with Parmesan cheese and garlic for extra flavor. Make sure to coat the cod fillets well. Press the mixture onto the fish firmly so it sticks. Bake at 425°F for 12-15 minutes. The crust should turn golden brown and crunchy. For this dish, use fresh cod fillets. They should be firm and moist. Look for wild-caught cod if possible. It has a better flavor and texture. Frozen cod can work too, but thaw it properly before cooking. This ensures even cooking and great taste. Seasoning is key to enhancing flavor. Besides salt and pepper, try adding lemon zest. It brightens the dish and adds freshness. You can also use herbs like dill or thyme. For a kick, mix in red pepper flakes. Just a pinch will do! Keep it simple, but feel free to experiment. Pro Tips Choose Fresh Cod: Always opt for fresh cod fillets when possible, as they provide the best flavor and texture. Look for firm flesh and a mild scent. Customize the Crust: Feel free to add other herbs or spices to the breadcrumb mixture, such as thyme or oregano, for a personalized twist on the flavor. Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure the cod is perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). Let it Rest: Allow the cod fillets to rest for a couple of minutes after baking before serving. This helps retain moisture and enhances the flavor. {{image_2}} You can swap cod for other fish. Try using tilapia, haddock, or halibut. These fish have a mild taste and will work well. Each fish has its own texture and flavor. Tilapia is soft, while haddock is flakier. Halibut is firm and meaty. Adjust baking time if you change the fish type. Thinner fish may need less time. You can add more flavor to your dish. Lemon zest gives a fresh taste. Fresh herbs like thyme or basil can brighten the flavor. For a kick, add more red pepper flakes. A dash of smoked paprika adds a nice depth. You could also mix in some Dijon mustard to the crust. This adds a nice tangy flavor. The crust is easy to change. Instead of breadcrumbs, use crushed crackers or cornmeal. For a nutty flavor, try ground almonds or walnuts. You can even add different cheeses. Feta or cheddar can bring a new twist. Mix in some cooked spinach for a veggie boost. Customize the crust to match your taste. To store leftover Garlic Parmesan Crusted Cod, let it cool down first. Place the fillets in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to layer parchment paper between the fillets to prevent sticking. This keeps the crust nice and crispy for later. When you’re ready to eat the leftover cod, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cod on a baking sheet. Cover it loosely with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warm. You can also microwave it, but this might make the crust soft. If you choose the microwave, heat in short bursts to avoid overcooking. If you want to freeze the cooked cod, wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This helps prevent freezer burn. The cod can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Enjoy your tasty meal even later! Yes, you can prep the cod and topping ahead. Store the fillets and the crust in the fridge. Just keep them separate until you're ready to cook. This way, you save time on busy nights. I love serving this dish with steamed veggies or a light salad. You can also add lemon wedges for extra zest. A side of rice or quinoa pairs nicely, too. It balances the flavors well. Yes, but you need to swap the breadcrumbs. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed nuts instead. This keeps the dish tasty and safe for those who need gluten-free options. The cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork. It should also be opaque in color. If you're unsure, use a food thermometer; the internal temperature should be 145°F (63°C). Absolutely! Feel free to get creative. You can add garlic powder for more flavor or smoked paprika for a smoky touch. Just remember to balance the spices so they don’t overpower the fish. In this post, I shared how to make Garlic Parmesan Crusted Cod. We covered the right ingredients, why fresh ones matter, and how to measure them. I detailed each step from oven prep to baking. I also gave tips for a crispy crust and shared tasty variations. Finally, I provided storage and reheating tips. Now you're ready to enjoy this dish anytime. Cooking should be fun and easy. Enjoy your flavorful cod!$

A delicious and crispy cod fillet topped with a garlic Parmesan breadcrumb crust.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine Seafood

Servings 4

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

4 fillets cod fillets (about 6 ounces each)
1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
0.25 teaspoon black pepper
0.5 teaspoon salt
0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
0.25 cup olive oil
1 unit Juice of 1 lemon

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, chopped parsley, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes. Mix well until all dry ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Drizzle in the olive oil while stirring to ensure the breadcrumb mixture is moist but not overly soggy. Set aside.
Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides of the fillets with a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
Place the cod fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Squeeze half of the lemon juice over each fillet to add flavor.
Evenly distribute the breadcrumb mixture on top of each cod fillet, pressing gently to adhere the topping to the fish.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the fish is cooked through and the topping is golden brown and crispy. The cod should easily flake with a fork when done.
For added flavor, drizzle with the remaining lemon juice just before serving.

Notes

Serve with lemon wedges and fresh parsley for a vibrant presentation.

Keyword baked, cod, garlic, Parmesan, seafood