Crispy Parmesan Crusted Cod

$- 4 cod fillets (approximately 6 ounces each) - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or standard breadcrumbs if preferred) - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - 1 large egg - 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard - 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for drizzling) - Fresh lemon wedges for serving Cod fillets are the star of this dish. They have a mild taste and firm texture. When cooked, they flake easily, making them perfect for a crust. Panko breadcrumbs create a crispy coating. They are lighter than regular breadcrumbs. This helps the crust stay crunchy and golden. Parmesan cheese gives the dish its rich flavor. Freshly grated cheese melts beautifully, adding a savory taste. Fresh parsley adds color and a hint of freshness. It brightens the dish and makes it look appealing. Smoked paprika brings a subtle warmth. It adds depth without being too spicy. You can try adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. It enhances the dish with a citrus zing. For a spicy twist, consider adding red pepper flakes. A little goes a long way in adding heat. You may substitute cod with other fish. Options like haddock or halibut work well too. For extra herbs, try thyme or dill. These can add unique flavors that complement the fish beautifully. {{ingredient_image_2}} Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature helps cook the cod evenly. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This keeps the fish from sticking and makes cleanup easy. In a medium bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Add the chopped parsley, garlic powder, smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all the flavors. This mixture will give your cod a tasty crust. In a shallow dish, crack the egg and add Dijon mustard. Whisk these together until smooth. Take one cod fillet and dip it into the egg mixture. Make sure it is fully coated. Then, transfer it to the breadcrumb mixture. Press the crumbs onto the fish gently. Repeat this for all the fillets. This step is key to getting a crispy coating. Arrange the coated fillets on the prepared baking sheet. For extra crispiness, drizzle a little olive oil on top of each fillet. Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes. The cod should be cooked through and flake easily with a fork. The crust will be a lovely golden brown. After baking, let the cod rest for a few minutes. Serve warm with fresh lemon wedges. The lemon adds a nice, bright flavor to the dish. To get a great breadcrumb coating, use panko breadcrumbs. They give a nice crunch. Mix the breadcrumbs well with the cheese and spices. This way, each bite has flavor. Press the crumbs onto the fish firmly. This helps them stick during cooking. When cooking cod, keep it fresh and cold until ready to cook. This helps it maintain texture. Bake the cod at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes. Check it often. The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork. If you want more crispiness, drizzle olive oil on top before baking. You can change the flavor in many ways. Try adding lemon zest to the breadcrumb mix for a bright taste. Swap the smoked paprika for chili powder if you like heat. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can also add a nice touch. Experiment and find what you love! Pro Tips Use Fresh Cod: Fresh cod fillets will yield the best flavor and texture. If possible, buy from a trusted fishmonger or the seafood counter at your local market. Customize the Crust: Feel free to add other herbs and spices to the breadcrumb mixture, such as oregano or cayenne pepper, for an extra kick of flavor. Check for Doneness: To ensure your cod is perfectly cooked, use a fork to check if it flakes easily. If it does, it’s done! Serve with Sides: Pair your crispy cod with a light salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal that balances flavors and textures. {{image_4}} You can easily make this dish gluten-free. Simply swap the panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can also use crushed cornflakes or ground almonds for a different texture. These options work well and still give that crunchy crust. It’s a great way to enjoy the recipe without gluten. If you want to change the fish, you have choices. Try using haddock, tilapia, or salmon. Each fish has a unique taste and texture, but they all work with this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time, as thicker fish like salmon might need a bit longer to cook. You can mix the flavors to suit your taste. Try adding lemon zest for brightness or cayenne pepper for heat. Herbs like dill or thyme add a fresh twist. Experiment with your favorite spices; this dish is very versatile. Don't be afraid to get creative and find a flavor you love! To store leftover Parmesan crusted cod, wait for it to cool. Place the cod in an airtight container. Make sure to cover it tightly. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. This keeps the fish fresh and tasty. If you have multiple pieces, separate each with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking. When you want to enjoy your leftover cod, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cod on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. This method keeps the crust crispy. If you prefer, you can use a microwave. Heat it on medium power for about one minute. This option is faster, but may make the crust softer. If you want to freeze your cod fillets, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze the cod for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then reheat it as mentioned before. Parmesan crusted cod tastes great with many sides. Here are some tasty options: - Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini add color and crunch. - Mixed Greens Salad: Fresh greens with a light vinaigrette brighten the meal. - Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes balance the crispy fish. - Quinoa or Rice: These grains soak up flavors and add texture. You can mix and match these sides to fit your taste. Serving lemon wedges adds a zesty touch. Yes, you can prepare Parmesan crusted cod ahead of time. You can coat the fish and store it in the fridge. Make sure to cover it well to keep it fresh. When you're ready to cook, just bake it as directed. If you freeze it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw in the fridge before cooking. This saves time on busy nights! Parmesan crusted cod is a healthy choice. Cod is low in fat and high in protein. It also has omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for your heart. The panko breadcrumbs add crunch without too many calories. You can reduce fat by using less oil if you prefer. Adding fresh herbs and lemon boosts flavor without extra calories. Enjoy this dish knowing it's both tasty and nutritious! In this blog post, we explored how to make Parmesan Crusted Cod, starting with the essential ingredients. We broke down the steps to prepare and bake the fish. I shared tips for perfect coating and cooking. We also discussed variations to suit different diets and flavor preferences. In the end, this dish is easy, tasty, and flexible. You can impress your family or friends with this simple recipe. Enjoy your cooking adventure!$

Crispy Parmesan Crusted Cod

A deliciously crispy cod fillet coated with a flavorful Parmesan and breadcrumb crust.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 20

Total Time 35

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 fillets cod fillets (approximately 6 ounces each)
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
0.5 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
0.5 teaspoon sea salt
0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 large egg
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons olive oil
none Fresh lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, garlic powder, smoked paprika, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir thoroughly.
In a separate shallow dish, crack the large egg and add the Dijon mustard. Whisk until smooth.
Dip each cod fillet into the egg mixture, ensuring it is fully coated, then transfer to the breadcrumb mixture, pressing crumbs onto the fish.
Arrange the coated cod fillets on the prepared baking sheet and drizzle or brush the tops with olive oil.
Bake the cod for approximately 15-20 minutes until cooked through and golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let the cod rest for a couple of minutes. Serve warm with fresh lemon wedges.

Notes

For an inviting presentation, serve atop mixed greens or alongside roasted vegetables.

Keyword baked, cod, crispy, Parmesan, seafood