Lemony Herb-Crusted Cod with Parmesan Crunch Recipe
Introduction
This Lemony Herb-Crusted Cod with Parmesan Crunch is a bright and flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner. The zesty lemon and fresh herbs complement the tender cod, while the parmesan adds a satisfying crisp texture.
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons mixed fresh herbs (such as parsley, thyme, and dill), chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a small bowl, combine the grated Parmesan, chopped herbs, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
- Step 2: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. Brush each fillet lightly with olive oil, then press the Parmesan and herb mixture firmly onto the top of each piece to form a crust.
- Step 3: Place the coated fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Step 4: Remove from the oven and let rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Enjoy your flavorful and crispy cod!
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, lightly toast the Parmesan mixture in a dry skillet before coating the fish.
- Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the crust for a subtle spicy kick.
- Swap cod with other firm white fish like haddock or halibut if preferred.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven at 300°F (150°C) to maintain the crispy crust, or enjoy cold as a tasty addition to salads.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?
Yes, just be sure to thaw the cod completely and pat it dry before applying the crust for the best texture and flavor.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
Dried herbs can be used in a pinch, but use about half the amount since drying concentrates their flavor. Fresh herbs will provide a brighter and fresher taste.
PrintLemony Herb-Crusted Cod with Parmesan Crunch Recipe
Lemony Herb-Crusted Cod with Parmesan Crunch is a bright and flavorful baked fish dish featuring tender cod fillets coated in a zesty lemon and herb mixture topped with a crunchy layer of parmesan cheese. This easy-to-make recipe offers a deliciously crispy and cheesy crust that perfectly complements the flaky, mild cod, making it ideal for a healthy weeknight dinner or an elegant meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Fish and Crust
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Herb-Parmesan Crust: In a small bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, thyme leaves, lemon zest, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the herbs and lemon zest within the cheese.
- Coat the Cod Fillets: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. Brush each fillet with olive oil and a little lemon juice to help the crust adhere. Generously press the Parmesan herb mixture onto the top of each fillet to form a thick crust layer.
- Bake the Cod: Place the crusted cod fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, and the parmesan crust is golden and crisp.
- Serve: Remove the cod from the oven and let it rest for a minute. Serve immediately with your choice of side dishes, such as steamed vegetables or a fresh salad, garnished with additional lemon wedges if desired.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh cod fillets that are about 1-inch thick to ensure even cooking.
- You can substitute parsley and thyme with other fresh herbs like dill or basil according to your preference.
- The lemon zest adds brightness, so avoid skipping it for full flavor impact.
- Ensure not to overbake the fish to keep it moist and tender.
- This dish pairs well with light white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
Keywords: cod, baked fish, lemon herb crust, parmesan crust, healthy seafood, easy dinner
