Parmesan Crusted Cod is a flavorful, healthy dish featuring tender cod fillets coated with a crispy Parmesan topping. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant meal, this recipe is easy to prepare and pairs beautifully with a variety of sides.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy and Tender: The crunchy Parmesan topping contrasts perfectly with the flaky cod.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal effort.
- Healthy Option: Packed with protein and baked for a lighter alternative to frying.
- Versatile: Pairs well with salads, rice, or roasted vegetables.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Cod fillets (fresh or thawed)
- Parmesan cheese (finely grated)
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Olive oil or melted butter
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, mix Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add olive oil or melted butter and stir until the mixture is crumbly.
- Season the Cod: Pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Add the Parmesan Crust: Press the Parmesan mixture onto the top of each fillet, ensuring an even layer.
- Bake: Bake the cod for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and the crust is golden brown. For extra crispiness, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end.
- Serve: Serve the cod warm with lemon wedges and your favorite side dishes.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Herb-Crusted: Add chopped parsley, dill, or thyme to the Parmesan mixture for a fresh herbaceous flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Mix in red pepper flakes or cayenne for a touch of heat.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour in place of panko.
- Alternative Fish: Try this recipe with haddock, tilapia, or halibut for similar results.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked fillets for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid the microwave, as it may make the crust soggy.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen cod?
Yes, thaw the cod completely and pat it dry before proceeding with the recipe.
2. What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?
Grated Romano or Asiago cheese can be used as a substitute.
3. How do I know when the cod is done?
The fish should flake easily with a fork, and the internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
4. Can I air fry this recipe?
Yes, cook the cod in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes.
5. What sides pair well with Parmesan Crusted Cod?
Steamed asparagus, roasted potatoes, a simple green salad, or rice pilaf are excellent choices.
6. Can I prepare the crust mixture in advance?
Absolutely! Mix the topping ingredients and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
7. What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?
Regular breadcrumbs work fine, though panko provides a crispier texture.
8. Can I pan-sear the cod instead?
Yes, sear the cod in a skillet with a bit of olive oil over medium heat, then finish in the oven if needed.
9. How do I prevent the crust from falling off?
Ensure the fillets are dry before adding the topping, and press the mixture firmly onto the fish.
10. Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, if you replace the breadcrumbs with almond flour or pork rinds.
Conclusion
Parmesan Crusted Cod is a quick, flavorful dish that’s sure to become a favorite. With its crispy topping and tender fish, it’s both elegant and comforting. Serve it with your favorite sides for a well-rounded, restaurant-quality meal at home!
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Parmesan Crusted Cod Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Parmesan Crusted Cod is a deliciously light and crispy dish that combines tender, flaky cod fillets with a golden Parmesan crust. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners or a special meal.
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup (30g) breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Prepare the Crust Mixture:
- In a small bowl, combine the grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, parsley (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Stir in the melted butter until the mixture resembles damp sand.
3. Prepare the Cod Fillets:
- Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels and season them lightly with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Place the fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with olive oil to help the crust adhere.
4. Apply the Parmesan Crust:
- Spoon the Parmesan mixture onto each fillet, pressing gently to create an even layer.
5. Bake:
- Bake the cod in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets, until the crust is golden brown and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
6. Serve:
- Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side. Pair with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- Substitute cod with haddock, halibut, or tilapia if desired.
- For an extra crispy crust, broil the fillets for the last 1–2 minutes of cooking.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.