Baked Cod with Panko Parmesan

This recipe for Baked Cod with Panko Parmesan is a simple yet elegant dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The cod fillets are coated in a flavorful panko parmesan crust and baked to flaky perfection. It’s also incredibly easy to make, delivering restaurant-quality flavor in under half an hour!

Imagine tender, flaky cod, enrobed in a golden, crispy crust, bursting with savory flavors.

Recipe Details

• Flavor Profile: Savory and bright, with a buttery, cheesy crust and a hint of lemon.
• Texture: Flaky and tender cod with a crispy, golden topping.
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 11 minutes
• Total Time: 16 minutes
• Difficulty: Beginner-friendly; very easy to make.

What You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple ingredients to create a delicious and satisfying meal. You’ll need fresh cod fillets, which form the base of the dish, and a flavorful mixture of panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, butter, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, fresh herbs, and lemon zest for the crispy topping.

Ingredient Notes

• – Cod Fillets – Look for fresh, high-quality cod fillets. The thickness of the fillets can slightly affect the cooking time, but they should be about the same size.
• – Panko Breadcrumbs – Panko breadcrumbs are essential for the crispy topping. They provide a lighter, crispier texture than standard breadcrumbs.
• – Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, umami flavor. Use a good quality Parmesan for the best taste.
• – Butter – Salted butter adds richness and flavor to both the breadcrumb mixture and helps the crust brown beautifully. Use unsalted butter and add a pinch of salt to the recipe if you prefer.
• – Mayonnaise – Mayonnaise helps bind the breadcrumb mixture and adds moisture.
• – Dijon Mustard – Dijon mustard adds a tangy and sharp flavor that complements the richness of the butter and cheese.
• – Fresh Parsley – Fresh parsley adds a fresh, herbaceous note.
• – Lemon – Both the zest and juice of the lemon brighten the flavors of the dish.

Add-ins and Substitutions

• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes into the panko mixture for a touch of heat.
• Substitute other fresh herbs, such as thyme or chives, for the parsley.
• For a richer flavor, use a different type of cheese, such as Pecorino Romano, or a blend of cheeses.

How to Make Baked Cod with Panko Parmesan

This recipe is as easy as it is delicious. In just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delightful meal on the table. Here’s how to make it:

1. Get Ready: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Make the Panko Mixture: In a bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, 4 tablespoons of the melted butter, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, dried basil, freshly chopped parsley, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
3. Prepare the Cod: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. This helps the topping stick. Place the cod fillets on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Add the Panko Crust: Evenly distribute the panko mixture over each cod fillet, gently pressing it onto the fish.
5. Bake: Bake in the middle rack for 10 minutes.
6. Brown the Top: Move the baking sheet to the top rack and bake for an additional 1 minute, or until the topping is golden brown.

Pro Tip: Ensure your oven is properly preheated for even baking. Also, don’t overcrowd the baking sheet; if necessary, bake the cod in batches.

7. Rest and Serve: Let the baked cod sit for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Recipe Tips

• Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels before adding the panko mixture. This helps the topping adhere better.
• Use a kitchen scale to measure the ingredients accurately for the best results.
• Keep an eye on the fish while it bakes to ensure it doesn’t overcook. The internal temperature should be 145 degrees Fahrenheit (63 degrees Celsius).
• For extra flavor, consider adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen cod fillets? Yes, you can. Make sure to thaw the fillets completely and pat them dry before using. The cooking time might vary slightly.
• What if I don’t have fresh parsley? You can use dried parsley, but reduce the amount to about 1 teaspoon.
• How do I know when the cod is done? The cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork and the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit (63 degrees Celsius).
• Can I make this ahead of time? You can prepare the panko mixture ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Then, add it to the fish just before baking.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side of roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or broccoli.
• Pair with a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette.
• Serve with a side of rice or quinoa for a heartier meal.
• Add a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for serving.

Make This Recipe in Advance

You can prepare the panko topping mixture ahead of time. Simply combine all the ingredients and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to cook, just top the cod fillets and bake. Cooked cod is best enjoyed immediately, but you can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Baked Cod with Panko Parmesan

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• Author: Emma Hart
• Total Time: 18
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

A simple yet elegant dish featuring tender cod fillets coated in a golden, crispy panko Parmesan crust. Perfect for weeknights or special occasions, baked to flaky perfection in under 20 minutes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

4 cod fillets (6 oz each)

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

3 tbsp salted butter, melted

1 tbsp mayonnaise

1 tsp Dijon mustard

1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Zest of 1 lemon

2 tbsp lemon juice

Pinch of salt

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a bowl, mix panko, Parmesan, melted butter, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, parsley, lemon zest, and salt.
Spread the crumb mixture evenly on the baking sheet.
Place cod fillets on top, brushing each with a bit of lemon juice.
Bake for 11–14 minutes until golden and fish is flaky.
Serve with a squeeze of additional lemon juice.

Notes

Use fresh, high-quality cod for best results. Substitute thyme or chives for parsley if desired. Add red pepper flakes for heat. For richer flavor, experiment with Pecorino Romano or cheese blends.

• Prep Time: 5
• Cook Time: 13
• Category: dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 fillet
• Calories: 240
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 80mg