Crispy Lemon Herb Cod Fillets
This Crispy Lemon Herb Cod Fillets recipe is a delightful and healthy way to enjoy perfect fish that is golden and crispy on the outside while flaky and tender on the inside. The combination of seasoned bread crumbs and a hint of lemon juice elevates the flavor of the cod, making it a family favorite. This dish is quick to prepare, taking only 15 minutes from start to finish, and is perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests at a dinner party. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or crispy vegetables for a well-balanced, low-carb meal.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
seasoned dry bread crumb
1/4 cup (none)
haddock fillets or flounder fillets
4 fillets (1 pound) (thawed if frozen)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon (none)
Pam cooking spray or grilling spray
as needed (for cooking)
fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed)
Instructions
1
Preheat your skillet by spraying it with Pam cooking spray and heating it over medium-high heat for about 1 minute.
2
In a shallow dish, place the seasoned dry bread crumbs and set it aside.
3
Rinse the haddock or flounder fillets under cold water and thoroughly pat them dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect crispy texture.
4
Evenly sprinkle the salt and freshly ground black pepper over both sides of the fillets.
5
Carefully dredge each fillet in the bread crumbs, ensuring to coat both sides evenly for a lovely, crisp crust.
6
Once the skillet is hot, gently place the coated fish fillets into the pan. Cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through until the fish flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
7
After cooking, remove the fillets from the skillet and drizzle them with fresh lemon juice before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main type of fish used in this recipe?
The recipe is designed for cod fillets, though haddock or flounder are excellent alternatives.
How long does it take to cook the fish?
The fish cooks for approximately 10 minutes in the skillet, flipping halfway through.
What temperature should the fish reach to be fully cooked?
The internal temperature of the fish should reach 145°F to ensure it is cooked through.
Can I use frozen fish for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen fish, but it must be fully thawed before you begin the preparation.
What makes the cod fillets crispy?
Dredging the fillets in seasoned dry bread crumbs and cooking them in a preheated skillet creates a golden, crispy crust.
Is this a low-carb recipe?
Yes, this dish is considered low-carb and uses only a small amount of bread crumbs for coating.
How do I prevent the fish from sticking to the pan?
Preheat your skillet and spray it with Pam cooking spray or grilling spray before adding the fish.
What is the total preparation and cooking time?
The entire recipe takes only 15 minutes from start to finish.
Do I need to rinse the fish before cooking?
Yes, rinse the haddock or flounder fillets under cold water and pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels.
Why is it important to pat the fish dry?
Patting the fish dry is crucial for achieving a perfect crispy texture once the bread crumbs are applied.
What kind of seasoning is used?
The recipe uses salt, freshly ground black pepper, and seasoned dry bread crumbs.
When should I add the lemon juice?
Drizzle the fresh lemon juice over the fillets after they have been removed from the skillet and are ready to serve.
How much fish does this recipe require?
The recipe calls for 4 fillets, which is approximately 1 pound of fish.
Can I use fresh bread crumbs instead of dry ones?
The recipe specifies seasoned dry bread crumbs for the best crispy results, but fresh ones can be used if toasted first.
What should I serve with Crispy Lemon Herb Cod?
It pairs well with a fresh salad or crispy vegetables for a balanced meal.
Is this recipe suitable for a dinner party?
Yes, it is elegant enough for guests but quick enough for a weeknight family dinner.
What heat setting should I use?
The skillet should be heated over medium-high heat for optimal searing.
Can I bake the fish instead of frying?
While this recipe is optimized for a skillet, you could bake it, though the texture may vary from the pan-fried version.
How do I know if the fish is done if I don't have a thermometer?
The fish should flake easily with a fork when it is fully cooked.
What kind of cooking spray is recommended?
Pam cooking spray or grilling spray is recommended for this recipe.
Can I add other herbs to the seasoning?
Yes, additional herbs like parsley or dill can be added to the bread crumbs for extra flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The recipe uses standard bread crumbs; to make it gluten-free, substitute with gluten-free bread crumbs.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The 1 pound of fish typically serves 2 to 4 people depending on portion size.
What type of skillet works best?
A non-stick or cast-iron skillet works best to ensure the breading stays on the fish.
Should I use fresh or bottled lemon juice?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended for the brightest flavor.
Can I use this method for other types of seafood?
Yes, this breading and cooking method works well for most white fish fillets or even shrimp.
Does the recipe require oil?
No liquid oil is required if you use a high-quality cooking spray like Pam.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover fillets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
How can I reheat the cod fillets?
Reheat in a warm oven or skillet to maintain the crispiness of the breading.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
It is savory and herbal with a bright, citrusy finish from the lemon juice.