Description
A fast, flavorful, and forgiving weeknight dinner featuring flaky cod fillets coated in a crunchy mixture of panko breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese, finished with a bright lemon-honey glaze.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large lemon (zest and juice)
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup finely grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
Instructions
- Pat cod fillets completely dry with paper towels and season both sides lightly with salt and pepper.
- In a shallow bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, finely grated parmesan cheese, Old Bay seasoning, and half of the lemon zest.
- In a separate shallow dish, whisk together Dijon mustard, melted butter, and the remaining lemon zest.
- Brush both sides of each cod fillet generously with the mustard-butter mixture, then press into the panko mixture to coat evenly. Shake off excess crumbs.
- Heat olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Place cod fillets in the pan without overcrowding. Cook for 3-4 minutes on the first side until golden brown and crispy.
- Flip fillets gently using tongs and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145°F and the fish flakes easily.
- While fish rests, whisk together fresh lemon juice and honey to create the glaze.
- Plate the cod, drizzle with the lemon-honey glaze, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
Ensure fish is completely dry before coating to prevent the breading from sliding off. Do not move the fish too early in the pan to allow the crust to form and release naturally. For a dairy-free option, swap parmesan for nutritional yeast and butter for olive oil. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free panko. Leftovers can be reheated in an air fryer or toaster oven to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet with glaze
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 30
Keywords: cod recipe, crispy fish, lemon parmesan cod, quick dinner, weeknight meals, healthy seafood, panko crusted fish, 15 minute meals