Description
Classic Parmesan-crusted cod recipe delivers Mediterranean-inspired seafood perfection with crisp golden coating. Light fish fillets combine herbed cheese crust and delicate flavor, promising elegant dinner for home cooks seeking simple yet impressive coastal cuisine.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz/170 g each)
- ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup (30 g) breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp dried parsley (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsps unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Preparation: Position the oven rack centrally and preheat to 400F (200C), creating an ideal cooking environment for the cod fillets.
- Surface Treatment: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly oil the surface to prevent sticking and facilitate easy fish removal.
- Fish Preparation: Meticulously dry cod fillets using paper towels, ensuring a moisture-free surface for optimal parmesan coating adhesion.
- Seasoning: Generously season fillets with salt and pepper, distributing evenly across the entire surface to enhance flavor profile.
- Coating Creation: Blend grated parmesan, breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, and garlic powder in a shallow dish to form a crisp, flavorful crust mixture.
- Coating Process: Thoroughly press each seasoned fillet into the parmesan mixture, ensuring complete coverage and a consistent golden exterior.
- Baking Setup: Arrange crusted fillets on the prepared baking sheet with minimal spacing to promote even heat circulation and crispy texture.
- Final Preparation: Drizzle a light stream of olive oil over the fillets to enhance browning and introduce a subtle richness to the crust.
- Cooking and Finishing: Bake for 12-15 minutes until fish turns opaque and the crust achieves a golden-brown, crispy consistency. Allow a 2-3 minute rest period to redistribute juices and set the crust perfectly.
- Serving: Garnish with fresh lemon wedges and additional chopped parsley to add vibrant flavor and visual appeal to the dish.
Notes
- Moisture Management: Thoroughly pat cod fillets dry to prevent soggy coating and ensure crispy, golden crust.
- Coating Technique: Press parmesan mixture firmly into fish, creating an even, consistent layer for maximum crunch and flavor.
- Temperature Precision: Use 400F consistently to achieve perfect golden-brown crust without overcooking delicate fish.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free panko for celiac-friendly version while maintaining crispy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg