Zesty Parmesan Crusted Cod

$- 4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces each) - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon lemon zest - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1/2 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 lemon, sliced (for garnish) - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) The main ingredients make this dish shine. Cod fillets are mild and flaky, perfect for the crust. Parmesan cheese adds a rich flavor and helps form the crust. I love using panko breadcrumbs. They give a great crunch and texture. The spices and seasonings elevate the taste. Garlic powder brings warmth, while lemon zest adds brightness. Oregano gives a nice herbal note. Paprika adds a hint of color and flavor. Don't forget salt and pepper; they enhance every dish. Garnishes add a fresh touch. A drizzle of olive oil keeps the fish moist. Lemon slices brighten the plate and add zest. Fresh parsley makes it look pretty and adds flavor. These ingredients come together to create a dish that is not only tasty but also beautiful. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is the perfect temperature for cooking cod. Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easy and helps the cod cook evenly. In a mixing bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, lemon zest, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Use a fork to mix it all together well. You want a nice, even blend. This mixture gives the cod a great flavor and crunchy texture. Now, take the cod fillets and pat them dry with paper towels. This step helps the crust stick well. Place the fillets on your prepared baking sheet. Drizzle olive oil over each fillet. This adds moisture and helps the crust crisp up. Press the Parmesan mixture onto the top of each cod fillet. Make sure to cover them evenly. Bake the cod in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes. The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork, and the crust is golden brown and crispy. Remove it from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes. To serve, garnish each fillet with fresh parsley and lemon slices. Enjoy your delicious Parmesan crusted cod! To get that perfect crunchy crust, use panko breadcrumbs. They add extra crunch. Make sure to press the cheese mixture firmly onto the cod. This helps it stick while baking. Bake the cod in a hot oven at 400°F (200°C). This high heat gives you that golden-brown color. If you want even more crunch, broil the cod for the last few minutes. Just watch it closely to avoid burning. How can you tell if your cod is done? The fish should look opaque and flake easily with a fork. This means it's cooked all the way through. If you have a food thermometer, check that the inside temperature is 145°F (63°C). This ensures it's safe to eat. The crust should be golden brown and crispy, adding to the dish's appeal. Pairing your Parmesan crusted cod with the right sides can enhance the meal. Roasted vegetables, like asparagus or broccoli, work great. A fresh green salad adds a nice crunch and brightness. Consider serving it with a side of quinoa or rice for a hearty touch. Don't forget a slice of lemon to squeeze on top; it balances the flavors perfectly. Pro Tips Choose Fresh Cod: Always opt for the freshest cod fillets you can find. Fresh fish will have a mild scent and firm texture, ensuring a tastier dish. Adjust Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper can give the crust an extra kick! Perfect Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cod while it's baking. Depending on the thickness of the fillets, cooking time may vary. The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. Serve with Sides: Pair this dish with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. The lightness of the sides complements the richness of the Parmesan crust. {{image_2}} You can change the taste of Parmesan crusted cod easily. Try adding fresh herbs like parsley or basil. You can also use spices like thyme or dill. Lemon juice or zest gives a bright flavor. If you want heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Mix and match until you find what you love! Cod is great, but many fish work well too. Try using tilapia or haddock for a similar taste. Salmon also holds up nicely with the crust. Each fish will give a unique flavor. So, don’t hesitate to explore your options with different types. You can cook Parmesan crusted cod in two main ways: baking or broiling. Baking gives a nice even cook. It keeps the fish moist inside while making the crust crunchy. Broiling cooks faster and gives extra browning on top. Both methods work, so pick one based on your time and taste! To store leftover Parmesan crusted cod, place it in an airtight container. This keeps the fish moist. Refrigerate it within two hours of cooking. Cod will last in the fridge for up to three days. You can also wrap it in plastic wrap if you don't have a container. When you reheat cod, you want to keep the crust crispy. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cod on a baking sheet. Heat it for about 10 minutes. This warms the fish and keeps the crust crunchy. Avoid using the microwave, as it makes the crust soggy. If you want to freeze cod, wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as you can before sealing. Cod can be frozen for up to three months. To use, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. You can enjoy Parmesan crusted cod with many tasty sides. Here are some great ideas: - Steamed broccoli: This adds a bright color and fresh taste. - Roasted potatoes: They give a nice crunch and hearty feel. - Quinoa salad: A light and healthy choice that pairs well. - Rice pilaf: This adds a fluffy texture that complements the fish. - Green beans: Crisp and vibrant, they balance the meal. - White wine: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc pairs nicely with the dish. Feel free to mix and match these sides based on what you like! Fresh cod has some clear signs. Here’s what to look for: - Color: Fresh cod should be white or off-white with a slight sheen. - Smell: It should smell clean and mild, like the ocean. Avoid any strong fishy odor. - Texture: The fillet should feel firm and spring back when gently pressed. - Eyes: If you buy whole fish, look for clear, bright eyes. Always choose fresh cod for the best flavor and texture in your dish! Yes, you can easily make Parmesan crusted cod gluten-free! Here are some swaps: - Gluten-free breadcrumbs: Use these instead of regular ones. Panko works well. - Almond flour: This can be a tasty alternative for the crust. - Cornmeal: A great gluten-free option that adds crunch. These swaps keep the dish tasty while meeting gluten-free needs! This blog post shared how to make Parmesan crusted cod with the right ingredients, steps, and tips. You learned about key ingredients, like cod and Parmesan, and how to prepare them. I discussed baking methods for a perfect crust and suggested side dishes. In conclusion, making this dish is simple and fun. Use fresh ingredients and enjoy a tasty meal. Don't hesitate to experiment with flavors or sides. Happy cooking!$

A delicious and crispy cod fillet topped with a zesty Parmesan crust.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Seafood

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 fillets cod (about 6 ounces each)
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
0.5 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon dried oregano
0.5 teaspoon paprika
to taste salt and pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 lemon (sliced for garnish)
to taste fresh parsley (chopped for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a bowl, mix the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, lemon zest, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle olive oil over the fillets.
Press the Parmesan mixture onto the top of each cod fillet, ensuring an even coating.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until the cod is cooked through and the crust is golden brown and crispy. The fish should flake easily with a fork.
Remove from the oven and let sit for a few minutes.
Garnish each fillet with fresh parsley and serve with lemon slices on the side.

Notes

For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs.

Keyword baked fish, cod, parmesan, seafood recipe