Description
Parmesan crusted cod elevates simple seafood into a gourmet masterpiece with crispy golden coating and delicate fish beneath. Mediterranean flavors mingle with rich cheese, creating a restaurant-quality dish you can easily prepare at home.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces/170 grams each)
- ½ cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup (30 grams) breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Cooking Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by positioning the rack in the center and heating to a precise 400F (200C), creating an optimal cooking zone for the delicate cod.
- Protect the baking surface with a layer of parchment paper or apply a thin coating of oil to prevent sticking and ensure easy fish removal.
- Pat the cod fillets completely dry using clean paper towels, removing excess moisture to help the parmesan coating adhere perfectly.
- Season the fish generously with salt and pepper, ensuring an even distribution across the entire surface of each fillet.
- Create a crisp coating mixture by combining grated parmesan, breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, and a hint of garlic powder in a shallow dish.
- Gently press each seasoned cod fillet into the parmesan mixture, coating both sides thoroughly and pressing the mixture firmly to create a consistent, golden crust.
- Transfer the crusted fillets to the prepared baking sheet, arranging them with slight spacing to allow even heat circulation.
- Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the top of each fillet to enhance browning and add a subtle richness to the crust.
- Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, monitoring until the fish turns opaque and the crust achieves a golden-brown, crispy texture.
- Once cooked, remove from the oven and let the fillets rest for 2-3 minutes, allowing the juices to redistribute and the crust to set perfectly.
- Garnish with fresh lemon wedges and additional chopped parsley before serving to add brightness and visual appeal.
Notes
- Choose fresh cod fillets with consistent thickness to ensure even cooking and crispy coating.
- Pat fish dry with paper towels before applying Parmesan mixture to help breading adhere perfectly and create a crunchier texture.
- Replace traditional breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers for celiac-friendly version.
- Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet to promote proper browning and prevent steaming, which can make the crust soggy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 80mg