Baked Cod Lemon Herb Panko (Print Version)

Golden-crusted cod with fresh lemon, herbs, and crispy panko topping.

# What You Need:

→ Seafood

01 - 4 cod fillets (5–6 oz each), skinless and boneless

→ Crumb Topping

02 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
03 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
04 - 1 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
05 - 1 tsp lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
06 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
07 - 1/4 tsp salt
08 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
09 - 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

→ To Finish

10 - 1 lemon, cut into wedges
11 - 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a baking dish.
02 - Pat cod fillets dry with paper towels and arrange on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle each fillet with olive oil and lightly season with salt and pepper.
03 - In a medium bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, parsley, dill, lemon zest, garlic powder, 1/4 tsp salt, and black pepper. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture is evenly moistened.
04 - Press the panko mixture evenly onto the tops of the cod fillets, gently pressing so it adheres.
05 - Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and the topping is golden brown.
06 - Serve immediately with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • The contrast between the tender fish and the crisp, buttery topping makes every bite interesting
  • It comes together in under 40 minutes but tastes like you spent much longer on it
  • Lemon wedges at the table let everyone adjust the brightness to their own taste
02 -
  • Overcrowding the baking sheet will steam the fish instead of bake it, so give the fillets some space
  • The crumbs will continue to crisp slightly after coming out of the oven, so do not wait too long to serve
03 -
  • Watch the fish carefully after 15 minutes, as the difference between perfect golden and burnt happens fast
  • Let the fish rest for 2 minutes after baking so the juices redistribute instead of running out immediately

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