Go Back
+ servings

Baked Cod with Lemon Herb Crust

A light and flavorful baked cod recipe topped with a zesty lemon herb crust, perfect for a healthy dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 280

Ingredients
  

For the Cod
  • 4 fillets cod about 6 ounces each, skinless
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil extra virgin for best flavor
  • 1 teaspoon salt to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
For the Herb Crust
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs for a crunchy texture
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil finely chopped
  • 1 lemon zest for bright flavor
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese optional for added flavor
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder for depth of flavor

Method
 

Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the cod cooks evenly and quickly.
  2. Lightly grease a baking dish with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
Season the Cod
  1. Place the cod fillets in the prepared baking dish.
  2. Drizzle the olive oil over the fillets, then sprinkle with salt and black pepper. This will enhance the natural flavor of the fish.
Make the Herb Crust
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, chopped basil, lemon zest, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese (if using), and garlic powder.
  2. Mix well with a whisk or spatula until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Top the Cod
  1. Evenly distribute the herb crust mixture over the cod fillets, pressing down gently to adhere. This creates a flavorful topping that will crisp up in the oven.
Bake the Cod
  1. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The crust should be golden brown.
  2. Check for doneness at 15 minutes to avoid overcooking.
Serve
  1. Remove from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute.
  2. Serve the baked cod with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Nutrition

Serving: 1filletCalories: 280kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 30gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

For best results, use fresh cod fillets. If using frozen, ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before seasoning.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!