Crispy Cornmeal-Crusted Cod with Zesty Dipping Sauce
This Crispy Cornmeal-Crusted Cod is a delightful alternative to deep-fried fish, offering a crunchy coating that retains its flavor and texture while being significantly healthier. The combination of dry breadcrumbs and yellow cornmeal provides a perfect balance of crispiness, while the seasoning blend infuses each bite with a burst of flavor. With a quick bake in the oven after searing, you’ll achieve a golden-brown crust that complements the tender cod fillets beautifully. Serve it with a homemade zesty dipping sauce for an elevated brunch experience that’s both satisfying and guilt-free. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy brunch at home, this dish is sure to please even picky eaters.
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
dry breadcrumbs
1.5 cups (none)
yellow cornmeal
1.5 cups (none)
seasoning salt
2.5 teaspoons (none)
lemon pepper
1.5 teaspoons (or use 1 teaspoon black pepper to taste)
garlic powder
1.5 teaspoons (garlic lovers can increase to 2 teaspoons)
cayenne pepper
0.5 teaspoon (adjust according to heat preference)
cod fish fillets
6 (6 ounce) (about 3/4-inch thick)
large eggs
3 (slightly beaten)
vegetable oil
6-7 tablespoons (for frying)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 475°F (set the oven rack to the second-lowest position).
2
In a large, heavy zip-top plastic bag, combine the dry breadcrumbs, yellow cornmeal, seasoning salt, lemon pepper, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder. Seal the bag and shake vigorously to mix the ingredients thoroughly. Alternatively, you can use a shallow bowl to mix the coatings.
3
In a separate shallow bowl, slightly beat the eggs until well combined.
4
Take one cod fillet and place it into the bag with the breadcrumb mixture. Seal the bag and shake until the fish is well coated. Remove the cod and dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Return the fillet to the bag for a second coating, then set it aside on a plate. Repeat with all the cod fillets.
5
Heat about 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large 12-inch ovenproof skillet (cast-iron preferred) over high heat until the oil is hot but not smoking.
6
Carefully add the coated cod fillets to the skillet in a single layer, cooking for about 1 minute until the undersides are golden brown.
7
Flip the fillets gently, adding an additional 3 to 4 tablespoons of oil around the edges of the skillet. Cook for another minute to achieve a lovely golden crust.
8
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for about 5 to 6 minutes, or until the fish is just cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
9
Serve hot, with a zesty dipping sauce on the side for an extra kick.
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
30g
Carbs
30g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crispy Cornmeal-Crusted Cod?
It is a healthier alternative to deep-fried fish, featuring cod fillets coated in a seasoned breadcrumb and cornmeal mixture, seared in a skillet, and finished in the oven.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 475°F.
Where should the oven rack be positioned?
Set the oven rack to the second-lowest position for optimal cooking.
What ingredients are used for the crispy coating?
The coating consists of 1.5 cups of dry breadcrumbs and 1.5 cups of yellow cornmeal.
What seasonings are included in the crust?
The seasoning blend includes seasoning salt, lemon pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the cod?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of cayenne pepper according to your heat preference.
What can I use if I do not have lemon pepper?
You can substitute lemon pepper with 1 teaspoon of black pepper to taste.
How many cod fillets does this recipe serve?
The recipe calls for 6 cod fillets, each weighing approximately 6 ounces.
How thick should the cod fillets be?
The fillets should be about 3/4-inch thick.
What is the best way to mix the breading ingredients?
The recipe recommends using a large, heavy zip-top plastic bag and shaking it vigorously to mix.
How do you apply the coating to the fish?
The cod is first shaken in the breadcrumb mixture, dipped in beaten eggs, and then returned to the breadcrumb mixture for a second coating.
What kind of oil should be used for frying?
Vegetable oil is recommended for searing the fish in the skillet.
What type of skillet is best for this recipe?
A large 12-inch ovenproof skillet is required, with cast-iron being the preferred choice.
How long do you sear the fish on each side?
Sear the fillets for about 1 minute on each side until they are golden brown.
How long does the fish need to bake in the oven?
The fish should bake for about 5 to 6 minutes at 475°F.
How do I know when the cod is fully cooked?
The fish is done when it is just cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Is this recipe healthy?
Yes, it is described as a healthier alternative to deep-fried fish that remains crispy and flavorful.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 300 calories per serving.
What is the protein content of this dish?
Each serving contains 30 grams of protein.
Does this recipe contain carbohydrates?
Yes, there are 30 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
The dish contains 15 grams of fat per serving.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes, you can make a gluten-free version by using gluten-free breadcrumbs.
What should be served with the cod?
It is recommended to serve the cod hot with a zesty dipping sauce on the side.
Is this dish suitable for families?
Yes, it is perfect for family gatherings and is noted to please even picky eaters.
How much garlic powder is used?
The recipe calls for 1.5 teaspoons, but garlic lovers can increase it to 2 teaspoons.
How many eggs are needed for the egg wash?
The recipe requires 3 large eggs, slightly beaten.
How much oil is needed in total for frying?
You will need approximately 6 to 7 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
Is the cod deep-fried or oven-fried?
It is oven-fried, meaning it is quickly seared in a skillet and then finished in the oven.
What meal category does this dish fall into?
It is versatile and can be served for brunch, dinner, or as a seafood specialty.
Can I use a shallow bowl instead of a plastic bag for coating?
Yes, a shallow bowl can be used to mix and apply the coatings if you prefer.