Description
A quick and easy 30-minute weeknight meal featuring tender cod fillets coated in a shatteringly crisp panko crust and finished with rich garlic butter.
Ingredients
- Cod fillets (fresh or thawed frozen), about 1-inch thick
- All-purpose flour (for dredging)
- Dijon mustard
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Unsalted butter, melted
- Garlic, finely minced
- Lemon, zested and juiced
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Olive oil
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat cod fillets very dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Place a thin layer of flour on a plate and lightly dredge each fillet, shaking off excess.
- Whisk together Dijon mustard and a tablespoon of melted butter; brush this mixture evenly over the floured side of each fillet.
- In a separate bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, minced garlic, lemon zest, chopped parsley, a pinch of salt, and the remaining melted butter mixed with olive oil until it resembles wet sand.
- Press the panko mixture firmly onto the mustard-coated side of each fillet.
- Place fillets crust-side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until the fish flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Drizzle with extra melted garlic butter if desired and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
Ensure fish is very dry before coating to prevent soggy crust. Do not overcrowd the pan; bake in batches if necessary. For a dairy-free option, swap butter for ghee or olive oil. Can be made in an air fryer at 375°F for 8-10 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet with toppin
- Calories: 325
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 28
Keywords: baked cod, garlic butter fish, panko crusted fish, easy seafood dinner, weeknight meals, healthy fish recipe, crispy baked fish