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- 4 cod fillets (approximately 6 oz each) - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs - 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley - 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 1 lemon) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and black pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted - Lemon wedges, for serving To make Parmesan crusted cod, these main ingredients create a rich and tasty dish. The cod fillets are the star, while the Parmesan cheese gives a sharp flavor. Panko breadcrumbs add crunch, and fresh parsley brightens the dish. - Fresh herbs (like thyme or dill) - Crushed red pepper flakes - Mustard for a tangy twist - Other cheeses (like Gruyère or cheddar) You can change the recipe with these optional ingredients. Fresh herbs can add a new flavor, while red pepper flakes give a kick. Mustard can add depth, and other cheeses can provide a different taste. - Salt and black pepper - Garlic powder - Onion powder Using salt and pepper is key for seasoning the cod. Garlic and onion powder bring out great flavors without needing fresh ingredients. Together, these blends create a savory base that complements the dish well. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is important for cooking the cod just right. While the oven heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will help with easy cleanup later. In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup of panko breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh parsley, 1 tablespoon of lemon zest, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and a sprinkle of salt and black pepper. Mix these well to make a tasty topping. Next, take 4 cod fillets and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the crust stick better. Place each fillet on the baking sheet, leaving some space between them. In another small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil with 1 tablespoon of melted unsalted butter. This blend adds flavor and helps the crust crisp up. Brush this mixture evenly on top of each fillet. Now, take your Parmesan and breadcrumb mix and sprinkle it generously over each fillet. Press down gently to help it stick well. Now it's time to bake! Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on the cod. It is ready when it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The crust should be a lovely golden brown. When done, take it out of the oven and serve right away. Add lemon wedges on the side for a burst of fresh flavor. Enjoy your delicious Parmesan crusted cod! When selecting cod, look for firm fillets. They should be moist and shiny. Avoid fish that smells overly fishy. Fresh cod should have a mild scent. If you can, buy wild-caught cod. It often has better flavor than farmed cod. Ask your fishmonger about the source. This helps ensure freshness and quality. To get a crispy crust, dry the cod fillets well with paper towels. Moisture can make the crust soggy. The oven should be hot at 400°F (200°C). This high heat helps the crust brown nicely. Use a mix of Parmesan and panko breadcrumbs. The panko adds extra crunch, while the cheese gives flavor. Brush the fillets with a mix of olive oil and melted butter. This adds richness and aids in browning. You need a few key tools for this recipe. A baking sheet lined with parchment paper makes cleanup easy. A medium mixing bowl helps in combining the topping. A small bowl is useful for mixing the oil and butter. Use a brush to coat the cod fillets evenly. Finally, have a fork ready to check if the fish is done. It should flake easily when cooked right. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cod and high-quality Parmesan cheese make a significant difference in flavor. Always opt for the freshest fish you can find. Don’t Skimp on the Crust: Ensure you use enough of the Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture on each fillet. A thick layer will create a delightful crunch when baked. Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to mix in other herbs like dill or basil along with parsley for added flavor complexity in the crust. Perfectly Cooked Cod: Keep an eye on the cod while it bakes. It's done when the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, typically around 12-15 minutes. {{image_4}} You can jazz up the crust for Parmesan crusted cod with a few easy tweaks. Here are some ideas: - Herbs: Mix in dried herbs like oregano or thyme. These add a nice touch. - Spices: A dash of cayenne pepper gives a fun kick. Paprika also brings color and flavor. - Cheese: Blend in some grated mozzarella or cheddar for extra creaminess. These additions make your dish unique and tasty. You can also adjust the flavor to your liking. While baking is simple, you can try other methods too. Here are some options: - Air Frying: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Cook the cod for about 10-12 minutes. This method gives a crispy crust quickly. - Grilling: Brush the fillets with oil and place them on a hot grill. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side. This adds a smoky flavor. - Pan-Searing: Heat oil in a skillet and add the fillets. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden. This gives a nice crust and keeps the fish moist. Explore these methods to find your favorite way to cook cod. Side dishes can complete your meal. Here are some great options to serve with Parmesan crusted cod: - Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers work well. Their sweetness balances the dish. - Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice with herbs and lemon pairs nicely. It adds a comforting touch. - Simple Salad: A fresh green salad with vinaigrette adds crunch and brightness. These sides enhance the flavors of the cod and make a balanced meal. Enjoy experimenting with your dinner! To keep your Parmesan crusted cod fresh, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to let it cool to room temperature before sealing. This will help avoid condensation. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. When you are ready to enjoy leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cod on a baking sheet and cover it with foil. This keeps it moist. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave it, but this might make the crust soggy. For best results, always choose the oven. To freeze Parmesan crusted cod, wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Make sure to remove all air to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze the cod for up to two months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. This keeps the texture nice and fresh. You can tell cod is cooked when it turns opaque. It should also flake easily with a fork. This usually takes about 12-15 minutes in a 400°F oven. If the crust is golden brown, that’s a good sign too. Always check the thickest part of the fillet for doneness. Yes, you can use frozen cod. Just make sure to thaw it completely first. Patting it dry is key to getting a good crust. If you bake it from frozen, the cooking time will increase. Keep an eye on the fish to ensure it cooks through. If you need a substitute for Parmesan cheese, try using Pecorino Romano. It has a similar flavor but is saltier. Nutritional yeast is a great vegan option. It adds a cheesy taste without dairy. You can also use other hard cheeses, like Grana Padano or aged Gouda, for a different twist. This blog post covered all you need to know about Parmesan crusted cod. We discussed the main and optional ingredients, plus key seasonings. You learned step-by-step instructions for preparing, assembling, and baking your cod. I shared tips for choosing fresh fillets and ensuring a crispy crust. We also explored variations, storage methods, and answered common questions. With this recipe, you can enjoy a tasty meal anytime. Happy cooking!

Parmesan Crusted Cod Delight

A delicious and crispy cod fillet topped with a flavorful Parmesan and breadcrumb crust, perfect for a delightful dinner.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Seafood
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 4 fillets cod fillets (approximately 6 oz each)
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 2 panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • to taste Salt and black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
  • as needed Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure an easy cleanup.
  • In a medium mixing bowl, combine the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, lemon zest, garlic powder, onion powder, and a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper. Stir well until all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed to create a flavorful topping.
  • Take the cod fillets and pat them dry with paper towels, this will help the crust adhere better. Place each fillet on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they have a bit of space between them.
  • In a small bowl, mix together the extra virgin olive oil and melted unsalted butter until combined. Using a brush, evenly coat the top of each cod fillet with this mixture, which will add richness and help the crust to become crispy.
  • Sprinkle the Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture generously over each fillet, pressing down gently to ensure it sticks well and forms a hearty crust.
  • Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on the fish; it is ready when it turns opaque, flakes easily with a fork, and the crust turns a delightful golden brown.
  • Once done, remove from the oven and serve immediately. Accompany the cod with lemon wedges on the side, allowing diners to squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fish for an invigorating burst of flavor.

Notes

Serve with lemon wedges for added flavor.
Keyword baked fish, cod, Parmesan, seafood