If you happen to’re searching for a quick, flavorful dinner that feels a bit fancy with out the additional effort, this straightforward lemon baked cod is it. The fillets bake up flaky with a lemon, buttery crust loaded with garlic and Parmesan. It’s the sort of dinner that makes you’re feeling such as you ordered one thing particular at a restaurant, however it solely takes quarter-hour begin to end.
On the lookout for simpler fish recipes? Strive our Straightforward Air Fryer Salmon.


Why My Recipe
- Flaky cod with a flavorful garlic parmesan crust.
- Fast and simple dinner—prepared in solely quarter-hour!
- Full the meal with rice and a veggie or a inexperienced salad.


It’s straightforward to show this dish into a whole meal and could be served over rice along with your favourite veggie on the facet, or maintain it gentle and serve it with a easy, contemporary inexperienced salad. It’s a simple solution to get dinner on the desk shortly and it’s good for you too!
Ingredient Notes


- Cod Fish: Search for 6-ounce parts of contemporary or thawed cod. If utilizing frozen, thaw fully and pat dry to take away extra moisture.
- Butter: Make certain it’s softened since you’ll be mixing it with different substances. Salted or unsalted is okay.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is what you need for one of the best soften and taste.
- All-Function Flour: Helps create a barely thick, spreadable crust.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic supplies one of the best taste, however jarred works too.
- Dried Basil: Provides a refined herbaceous notice. Italian seasoning might be used as a substitute for a distinct taste twist.
- Onion Powder: Provides depth to the butter combination. Don’t substitute with contemporary onion—it gained’t mix as properly.
- Dijon Mustard: Provides a bit tang and complexity. Yellow mustard can be utilized if wanted, however Dijon is most popular.
- Lemon Juice: Recent is greatest for taste, however you too can use bottled.
- Recent Parsley (non-obligatory): Provides a pop of shade and contemporary, herby taste.
- Lemon (non-obligatory): Thinly slice and use to garnish if you wish to make it fairly.
Shopping for Cod
Once you head to the shop to purchase your cod, search for agency, white fillets with a light scent. Keep away from items that look uninteresting or have a powerful fishy odor. Fish shouldn’t scent fishy if it’s good.
If you happen to’re utilizing frozen cod, ensure that to thaw it fully within the fridge in a single day or underneath chilly working water. Pat it dry earlier than baking to assist the crust stick higher and guarantee even cooking.
Utilizing Different Fish
This lemon-butter topping is scrumptious on different fish as properly. Simply keep watch over cook dinner time: tilapia’s thinner and wishes much less time (assume shave off a pair minutes), whereas thick cuts like halibut may have a number of additional to get flaky and opaque all over.


Find out how to Know When It’s Completed
When your cod goes from see-through and glossy to stable white and begins flaking, it’s finished. The inner temperature ought to attain 145°F (63°C) if you happen to’re utilizing a thermometer. Watch out to not overcook it. Cod is a lean fish and dries out shortly if left within the oven too lengthy.
Serving Recommendations
Rice and Veggies: Merely pair with a facet of white or brown steamed rice and a inexperienced veggie (we love asparagus or inexperienced beans) for a whole meal.
Tacos: Slice it up and throw it in a taco. Add toppings like cabbage, bitter cream, guacamole, and a few sliced or pickled jalapeños.
Salad or Wrap: Repurpose these leftovers and use in a salad or lettuce wrap.
Storage & Reheating
Fish is greatest eaten contemporary. To save lots of any leftovers, enable the fish to chill to room temperature earlier than inserting in an hermetic container within the fridge for as much as 3 days.
Microwave on excessive in 30-second increments, till warmed via.