Crispy Herb-Crusted Oven-Baked Cod
Indulge in a lighter twist of the classic fish and chips with this Crispy Herb-Crusted Oven-Baked Cod. The cod fillets are coated in a golden-brown mixture of seasoned breadcrumbs and cornmeal, providing a satisfying crunch without the excess oil of traditional frying. Paired brilliantly with crispy oven-roasted fries or a fresh salad, this dish is not only delicious but also a healthier option for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests. Enjoy a delightful combination of flavors and textures while keeping your meal light and nutritious!
4
Servings
300
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
dry breadcrumbs
3/4 cup (plain)
yellow cornmeal
3/4 cup (plain)
salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon (ground)
center cut cod fish fillets
4 (6 ounces each) (thawed if frozen)
large eggs
2 (lightly beaten)
vegetable oil
6 tablespoons (divided)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C).
2
In a large sealable plastic bag, combine the dry breadcrumbs, yellow cornmeal, salt, and cayenne pepper. Shake the bag gently to ensure everything is mixed evenly.
3
Season each side of the cod fillets with additional salt and black pepper to taste.
4
Individually place each fillet in the breadcrumb mixture, shaking the bag to coat it well. Then, dip the coated fish into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off before returning to the bag for a second coating in the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure each piece is fully coated.
5
Place the coated fillets on a plate.
6
In a heavy oven-proof skillet (about 23 inches), heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil over high heat until it's hot but not smoking.
7
Carefully place the coated cod fillets into the skillet. Fry for about 1 minute until the undersides turn golden brown. Gently turn each fillet over and add the remaining 3 tablespoons of oil. Cook for an additional minute or until golden.
8
Transfer the skillet to the upper third of the preheated oven and bake for about 5 minutes, or until the fish is just cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
9
Serve immediately with your choice of crispy oven-roasted fries or a side salad for a delightful meal.
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
30g
Carbs
20g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of fish is used in this recipe?
This recipe uses center cut cod fish fillets, specifically four pieces weighing 6 ounces each.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking the cod?
The oven should be preheated to 500°F (260°C) for the final baking step.
How do I achieve a crispy crust on the cod?
A crispy crust is achieved by double-coating the fish in a mixture of breadcrumbs and cornmeal, then searing it in hot oil before baking at a high temperature.
Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cod, but it must be fully thawed before you begin the preparation process.
What are the main ingredients in the breading mixture?
The breading consists of dry breadcrumbs, yellow cornmeal, salt, and ground cayenne pepper.
How long does the fish need to be seared in the skillet?
The fish should be fried for about 1 minute on each side until the undersides turn golden brown.
How long should the cod stay in the oven?
Once transferred to the oven, the fish should bake for approximately 5 minutes until it flakes easily with a fork.
Is this oven-baked cod recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is a lighter alternative to traditional fried fish and chips, containing 300 calories and 10g of fat per serving.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
How much protein is in one serving of this cod dish?
Each serving contains 20 grams of protein.
What suggested sides pair well with this fish?
This dish pairs brilliantly with crispy oven-roasted fries or a fresh side salad.
What kind of oil should I use for frying the fish?
The recipe calls for 6 tablespoons of vegetable oil, which is divided during the cooking process.
How many eggs are required for the breading process?
Two large eggs, lightly beaten, are used to help the breadcrumb mixture adhere to the fish.
Does this recipe have any spice or heat?
It contains 1/4 teaspoon of ground cayenne pepper, which provides a mild hint of spice.
What equipment is necessary for the stovetop-to-oven transition?
A heavy oven-proof skillet, ideally about 23 inches in size, is recommended for this recipe.
Where should the skillet be placed in the oven?
The skillet should be placed in the upper third of the preheated oven for the best results.
How do I know when the fish is perfectly cooked?
The fish is done when it is just cooked through and flakes easily when tested with a fork.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 30 grams of carbohydrates in each serving of this crispy herb-crusted cod.
Do I need to season the fish before breading?
Yes, you should season each side of the cod fillets with salt and black pepper to taste before starting the coating process.
What is the coating method used for the fillets?
The fish is double-coated: first in the breadcrumb mix, then dipped in eggs, and returned to the breadcrumb mix for a final coating.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
No, the nutritional information indicates that there is no sugar in this recipe.
How long does this entire meal take to prepare?
This recipe is categorized under '< 30 Mins,' making it a quick option for weeknight dinners.
What type of cornmeal is best for this crust?
Yellow cornmeal is specified for this recipe to provide the desired golden-brown color and crunch.
What are the tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include oven-baked, cod, healthy, fish and chips, crunchy, quick recipe, family meal, easy dinner, and seafood.
Should the oil be smoking before I add the fish?
No, the oil should be hot but not smoking before you carefully place the fillets into the skillet.
How much salt is used in the breading mixture?
The breading mixture uses 1 teaspoon of salt, though additional salt can be used to season the fillets directly.
Can I use panko instead of regular breadcrumbs?
While the recipe calls for plain dry breadcrumbs, panko could be used for an even crunchier texture.
Is this recipe suitable for guests?
Yes, the description notes it as an impressive meal for guests while remaining a healthy and light option.
What is the total fat content?
There are 10 grams of fat per serving.
Why use a sealable plastic bag for breading?
Using a sealable plastic bag allows for an even mixture of dry ingredients and makes it easier to coat the fish fillets thoroughly.