In case you’re in search of a quick, flavorful dinner that feels slightly fancy with out the additional effort, this simple lemon baked cod is it. The fillets bake up flaky with a lemon, buttery crust loaded with garlic and Parmesan. It’s the type of dinner that makes you are feeling such as you ordered one thing particular at a restaurant, but it surely solely takes quarter-hour begin to end.
On the lookout for easier fish recipes? Strive our Easy Air Fryer Salmon.

Why My Recipe
- Flaky cod with a flavorful garlic parmesan crust.
- Fast and simple dinner—prepared in solely quarter-hour!
- Full the meal with rice and a veggie or a inexperienced salad.


It’s simple to show this dish into a whole meal and could be served over rice together with your favourite veggie on the aspect, or hold it mild and serve it with a easy, contemporary inexperienced salad. It’s a simple approach to get dinner on the desk shortly and it’s good for you too!
Ingredient Notes


- Cod Fish: Search for 6-ounce parts of contemporary or thawed cod. If utilizing frozen, thaw fully and pat dry to take away extra moisture.
- Butter: Be certain it’s softened since you’ll be mixing it with different elements. Salted or unsalted is okay.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is what you need for the perfect soften and taste.
- All-Objective Flour: Helps create a barely thick, spreadable crust.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic offers the perfect taste, however jarred works too.
- Dried Basil: Provides a delicate herbaceous be aware. Italian seasoning could possibly be used as an alternative for a distinct taste twist.
- Onion Powder: Offers depth to the butter combination. Don’t substitute with contemporary onion—it received’t mix as effectively.
- Dijon Mustard: Provides slightly tang and complexity. Yellow mustard can be utilized if wanted, however Dijon is most popular.
- Lemon Juice: Contemporary is finest for taste, however you can even use bottled.
- Contemporary Parsley (non-obligatory): Provides a pop of shade and contemporary, herby taste.
- Lemon (non-obligatory): Thinly slice and use to garnish if you wish to make it fairly.
Shopping for Cod
Whenever you head to the shop to purchase your cod, search for agency, white fillets with a gentle odor. Keep away from items that look uninteresting or have a powerful fishy odor. Fish shouldn’t odor fishy if it’s good.
In case you’re utilizing frozen cod, be sure that to thaw it fully within the fridge in a single day or below chilly operating water. Pat it dry earlier than baking to assist the crust stick higher and guarantee even cooking.
Utilizing Different Fish
This lemon-butter topping is scrumptious on different fish as effectively. Simply keep watch over cook dinner time: tilapia’s thinner and wishes much less time (assume shave off a pair minutes), whereas thick cuts like halibut might have a couple of further to get flaky and opaque throughout.


The way to Know When It’s Completed
When your cod goes from see-through and glossy to strong white and begins flaking, it’s performed. The interior temperature ought to attain 145°F (63°C) in the event you’re utilizing a thermometer. Watch out to not overcook it. Cod is a lean fish and dries out shortly if left within the oven too lengthy.
Serving Ideas
Rice and Veggies: Merely pair with a aspect of white or brown steamed rice and a inexperienced veggie (we love asparagus or green beans) for an entire meal.
Tacos: Slice it up and throw it in a taco. Add toppings like cabbage, bitter cream, guacamole, and a few sliced or pickled jalapeños.
Salad or Wrap: Repurpose these leftovers and use in a salad or lettuce wrap.
Storage & Reheating
Fish is finest eaten contemporary. To avoid wasting any leftovers, enable the fish to chill to room temperature earlier than putting in an hermetic container within the fridge for as much as 3 days.
Microwave on excessive in 30-second increments, till warmed by.