Parmesan Baked Cod
A delightful seafood dish featuring tender cod fillets enveloped in a golden crust of Parmesan cheese, garlic, and lemon zest.
Ingredients
Fish and Toppings
- 1.5 pounds fresh cod The star ingredient
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese Main flavor source
- 1/2 lemon zest and juice Adds brightness
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped For color and freshness
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder For savory depth
- 1 1/4 teaspoons paprika Adds smokiness and color
- 3 tablespoons salted butter Can use up to 5 tablespoons for extra sauce
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Grease a rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray.
- On a plate, combine Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and paprika. Add the zest of half a lemon.
- Toss in the chopped parsley and mix.
- Rinse cod fillets under cold water, check for bones, and pat dry.
- Melt butter in a small pan or microwave.
- Dip each cod piece in melted butter, coating both sides.
- Dredge the buttered fish in the cheese mixture, pressing gently.
- Place cod on the greased baking sheet and drizzle remaining melted butter over the top.
Cooking
- Bake the cod for about 15 minutes, or until it flakes easily with a fork.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the baked cod before serving.
Notes
For extra crispiness, use a broiler in the last few minutes of cooking. Experiment with different herbs for unique flavors. If you're a fan of heat, add cayenne pepper.