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Crispy Baked Cod Recipe with Herb Breadcrumb Crust

crispy baked cod - featured image

A quick and easy baked cod recipe featuring a crispy herb breadcrumb crust that locks in moisture and delivers a tender, flaky fish with a golden crunchy topping.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cod fillets (6 oz / 170 g each), fresh or thawed, skinless if preferred
  • 1 cup (100 g) panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, minced garlic, lemon zest, grated Parmesan cheese (if using), smoked paprika (optional), salt, and pepper. Stir well to blend.
  3. Brush each cod fillet lightly with about 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
  4. Press the breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the top side of each fillet.
  5. Place the coated fillets on the prepared baking sheet, breadcrumb side up. Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil evenly over the crusts.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
  7. If the crust browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil and finish baking to avoid burning.
  8. Remove from oven and let rest for 2 minutes before serving.

Notes

Pat the cod dry before brushing with olive oil to help the breadcrumb crust stick better. Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness. You can prepare the breadcrumb mixture up to two days in advance and store it in an airtight container. If the crust browns too fast, tent with foil to prevent burning. Let the fish rest for 2 minutes after baking to keep it juicy. For gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs; for dairy-free, omit Parmesan or use a plant-based alternative.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked cod, crispy cod, herb breadcrumb crust, easy fish recipe, healthy seafood, quick dinner, panko breadcrumbs, cod fillets