When you’re in search of a quick, flavorful dinner that feels a bit of 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 form of dinner that makes you’re feeling such as you ordered one thing particular at a restaurant, however it solely takes quarter-hour begin to end.
Searching for simpler fish recipes? Strive our Simple Air Fryer Salmon.

Why My Recipe
- Flaky cod with a flavorful garlic parmesan crust.
- Fast and straightforward 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 may be served over rice along with your favourite veggie on the facet, or preserve it mild and serve it with a easy, contemporary inexperienced salad. It’s a straightforward option 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: Make sure that it’s softened since you’ll be mixing it with different components. Salted or unsalted is ok.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is what you need for one of the best soften and taste.
- All-Function Flour: Helps create a barely thick, spreadable crust.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic supplies one of the best taste, however jarred works too.
- Dried Basil: Provides a delicate herbaceous be aware. Italian seasoning may very well be used as an alternative for a unique taste twist.
- Onion Powder: Provides depth to the butter combination. Don’t substitute with contemporary onion—it gained’t mix as nicely.
- Dijon Mustard: Provides a bit of tang and complexity. Yellow mustard can be utilized if wanted, however Dijon is most popular.
- Lemon Juice: Contemporary is finest for taste, however it’s also possible to use bottled.
- Contemporary Parsley (optionally available): Provides a pop of colour and contemporary, herby taste.
- Lemon (optionally available): Thinly slice and use to garnish if you wish to make it fairly.
Shopping for Cod
Once 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.
When you’re utilizing frozen cod, make 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 nicely. Simply regulate prepare dinner time: tilapia’s thinner and desires much less time (suppose shave off a pair minutes), whereas thick cuts like halibut might have just a few further to get flaky and opaque all through.


The way to Know When It’s Carried out
When your cod goes from see-through and glossy to strong white and begins flaking, it’s finished. The interior temperature ought to attain 145°F (63°C) should 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 Solutions
Rice and Veggies: Merely pair with a facet of white or brown steamed rice and a inexperienced veggie (we love asparagus or inexperienced beans) for a whole 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 inserting in an hermetic container within the fridge for as much as 3 days.
Microwave on excessive in 30-second increments, till warmed by way of.