Baked Cod Fish
Baked cod with a Mediterranean herb crust — flaky white fish with a crispy seasoned topping, baked in 15 minutes. Healthy, light, and impressive enough for guests. The herb crust is what elevates plain baked fish.
Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
20 min
Servings
2
Calories
259 cal
🛠 Interactive Recipe Tools — Use them right here on this page
Smart Servings Scaler
- Cod Fish½
- Lemon½
- Parsley½
- Thyme½
- Garlic1 ½ cloves
- Olive Oil1 tbsp
- Black Pepper¼ tsp
- Salt½ tsp
All quantities scaled automatically from 2 servings.
Ingredients
Makes 2 servings · Use the Servings Scaler above to adjust
- Cod Fish0.5
- Lemon0.5
- Parsley0.5
- Thyme0.5
- Garlic1.5 cloves
- Olive Oil1 tbsp
- Black Pepper0.25 tsp
- Salt0.5 tsp
Instructions
- 1
Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat 4 cod fillets (6 oz each) very dry with paper towels. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- 2
Season the cod heavily with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon. Brush with 1 tablespoon of olive oil on top.
- 3
Make the herb crust: combine ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs, ¼ cup grated Parmesan, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon paprika, zest of 1 lemon, 3 tablespoons melted butter, salt and pepper.
- 4
Press the herb crust mixture onto the top of each cod fillet, pressing firmly so it adheres.
- 5
Bake 12-15 minutes until the topping is deep golden brown and the fish flakes easily with a fork (internal temp 140°F).
- 6
Squeeze fresh lemon over the cooked fish. Serve immediately with rice, roasted vegetables, or salad. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and lemon wedges.
Watch how to make Baked Cod Fish
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💡 Expert Tips
- 1.Pat fish very dry. Wet fish steams instead of crisping. The crust won't stick to wet surfaces.
- 2.Press the crust firmly. Loose crust falls off during baking. Press it in with your hand to ensure it adheres.
- 3.Don't overbake. Cod goes from perfect to dry in seconds. 140°F internal is the target.
- 4.Lemon zest in crust + lemon juice after. The zest provides aromatic oil; the juice provides acid. Both matter.
🔬 Why It Works
Baked cod with herb crust succeeds because the crust serves multiple purposes: it adds Maillard browning (color and flavor), protects the fish from drying out (acts as a moisture barrier), provides textural contrast (crispy top vs flaky fish), and adds herbal complexity (parsley, thyme, oregano). The butter in the crust crisps the panko into a golden coating. Lemon zest provides bright aromatic notes.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Nutrition Facts
Per serving (recipe makes 2 servings)
* Percent Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are estimates.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (recipe makes 2 servings)
* Percent Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are estimates.
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