Crispy Herb-Crusted Baked Cod
This Crispy Herb-Crusted Baked Cod is a delightful dish that brings together the rich flavors of a creamy parmesan-mayonnaise blend with a crunchy breadcrumb topping. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner, this easy recipe can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect choice for busy families or anyone seeking a healthy yet satisfying meal. While the recipe is tailored for cod, feel free to experiment with other light white fish to enjoy a variety of flavors. Serve it alongside your favorite vegetable sides for a well-rounded, high-protein dish that is sure to please everyone at the table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
mayonnaise
1/4 cup (Use light mayonnaise for a healthier option.)
grated parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons (Use freshly grated for best flavor.)
lemon juice
1 tablespoon (Freshly squeezed is recommended.)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (Adjust to taste.)
anchovy paste
1/2 teaspoon (Optional, but adds depth to the flavor.)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (Freshly ground for better taste.)
fresh breadcrumb
1/2 cup (Use homemade for a crunchier texture.)
flat leaf parsley
3 tablespoons (Chopped.)
cod fish fillets
4 (About 3 inches thick.)
lemon wedge
1 (For serving.)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and lightly spray a jelly-roll pan with nonstick vegetable cooking spray.
2
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, grated parmesan cheese, lemon juice, anchovy paste, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well blended.
3
In a separate bowl, combine the fresh breadcrumbs and chopped flat-leaf parsley, mixing until evenly distributed.
4
Take each cod fillet and spoon a generous layer of the mayonnaise mixture onto one side. Next, dip the coated side of the fillet into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating.
5
Place the prepared cod fillets on the jelly-roll pan with the breadcrumb-coated side facing up.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and the breadcrumbs are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on the fillets, as cooking time can vary based on thickness.
7
Once done, serve your crispy cod with fresh lemon wedges for an extra burst of flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crispy Herb-Crusted Baked Cod?
It is a quick and healthy dish featuring cod fillets topped with a creamy parmesan-mayonnaise mixture and crunchy herb breadcrumbs.
How long does it take to cook this cod?
The cod takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes to bake in a preheated oven.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
The oven should be preheated to 450°F (230°C) for the best results.
Can I use a different type of fish for this recipe?
Yes, you can experiment with other light white fish if cod is not available.
What is in the creamy topping?
The creamy layer consists of mayonnaise, grated parmesan cheese, lemon juice, anchovy paste, salt, and black pepper.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick weeknight dinner?
Yes, this recipe can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy schedules.
Can I make this dish healthier?
Yes, using light mayonnaise is recommended for a healthier version of this dish.
What kind of breadcrumbs should I use?
Fresh breadcrumbs are recommended, and using homemade breadcrumbs can provide a crunchier texture.
Is the anchovy paste mandatory?
No, the anchovy paste is optional, but it adds a significant depth of flavor to the dish.
What should I serve with Crispy Herb-Crusted Baked Cod?
It pairs perfectly with vegetable sides and fresh lemon wedges.
How thick should the cod fillets be?
The recipe suggests using fillets that are about 3 inches thick.
Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?
While fresh flat-leaf parsley is recommended for flavor, dried parsley can be used if fresh is unavailable.
How do I ensure the breadcrumbs stick to the fish?
Spoon a generous layer of the mayonnaise mixture onto the fish first, then press the fillet into the breadcrumbs.
What type of pan should I use for baking?
A jelly-roll pan lightly sprayed with nonstick vegetable cooking spray is recommended.
How do I know when the fish is fully cooked?
The fish is done when it is cooked through and the breadcrumbs have turned golden brown and crispy.
Is this recipe high in protein?
Yes, cod is a high-protein fish, making this a satisfying and nutritious meal.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor profile.
What kind of parmesan cheese works best?
Freshly grated parmesan cheese provides the best flavor for the crust.
Can I use frozen cod fillets?
Yes, but ensure they are completely thawed and patted dry before you begin the preparation.
Does this recipe contain dairy?
Yes, this recipe contains parmesan cheese which is a dairy product.
How many fillets does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed for 4 cod fish fillets.
Should the breadcrumbs be on both sides of the fish?
No, the breadcrumb coating should only be on the top side of the fillets.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, the mild flavor of the cod and the crunchy topping are generally well-liked by children.
Can I add other herbs to the breadcrumb mix?
Absolutely, feel free to add other herbs like thyme or dill to customize the flavor.
Why is the oven temperature so high?
The high temperature of 450°F helps to crisp the breadcrumbs quickly without overcooking the fish.
What is the best way to chop the parsley?
The parsley should be finely chopped so it mixes evenly with the breadcrumbs.
Can I substitute the mayonnaise?
While mayonnaise provides the best texture, some use Greek yogurt as a substitute, though it may change the flavor.
Does the fish need to be seasoned with salt and pepper directly?
In this recipe, the salt and pepper are mixed into the mayonnaise blend rather than applied directly to the fish.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It is not gluten-free as written due to the breadcrumbs, but you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs as a substitute.
Can I prepare the topping in advance?
You can mix the mayonnaise and breadcrumb components separately in advance, but assemble them on the fish right before baking.