Golden Crunch Baked Cod with Garlic Herb Crust
Elevate your Friday night dinner with this delightful twist on traditional fish fry! This Golden Crunch Baked Cod features tender, flaky cod fillets topped with a savory garlic herb crust. Baked to perfection, this dish offers a satisfying crunch without the oiliness of frying. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's an ideal choice for a quick weeknight meal or a special occasion. Pair it with quickly microwaved white or sweet potatoes for a complete and nutritious meal. Enjoy the harmony of flavors as the Dijon mustard melds with the richness of butter, making every bite an unforgettable experience.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
unsalted butter
2 tablespoons (melted)
garlic clove
1 (minced)
panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup (or regular breadcrumbs)
fresh parsley
2 tablespoons (minced)
lemon zest
1 teaspoon (finely grated)
Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon
reduced-fat mayonnaise
1 tablespoon
skinless cod fish fillets
4 (6 ounces each) (1 1/2-inch thick)
salt
to taste
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a small skillet over medium-low heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté, stirring frequently, until fragrant—about 30 seconds.
3
Stir in the panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs) and mix thoroughly to coat them with the garlic butter. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the breadcrumbs turn light golden brown, which should take around 5 minutes. Remove the mixture from the heat and stir in the minced parsley and finely grated lemon zest. Allow this mixture to cool slightly.
4
In a separate small bowl, combine the Dijon mustard and reduced-fat mayonnaise, mixing well to create a creamy spread.
5
Rinse the cod fillets under cool water and pat them dry with paper towels. Sprinkle a light amount of salt over each fillet.
6
Place the fillets on a rimmed baking sheet lined with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Use a pastry brush to evenly coat each fillet with the mustard-mayo mixture, ensuring the entire surface is covered.
7
Divide the breadcrumb mixture into four equal portions and press each portion onto the top of the fillets, ensuring they are well-coated with the crunchy topping.
8
Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily when tested with a fork.
9
If the breadcrumbs need more browning, switch the oven to broil and cook for an additional 2 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
10
Remove from the oven and serve immediately, ideally alongside your choice of microwaved white or sweet potatoes.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Golden Crunch Baked Cod with Garlic Herb Crust?
It is a 30-minute seafood dish featuring tender, flaky cod fillets topped with a savory, crunchy garlic herb crust, serving as a healthier alternative to traditional fried fish.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
The entire recipe is ready in approximately 30 minutes, including prep and baking time.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking the cod.
What ingredients are used for the garlic herb crust?
The crust is made from unsalted butter, minced garlic, panko or regular breadcrumbs, minced fresh parsley, and finely grated lemon zest.
Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?
Yes, you can use regular breadcrumbs if panko is not available, though panko provides a lighter, airier crunch.
How do I prepare the breadcrumb topping?
Sauté minced garlic in melted butter, stir in the breadcrumbs until golden brown for about 5 minutes, then remove from heat and stir in parsley and lemon zest.
What is the purpose of the Dijon mustard and mayonnaise mixture?
The mixture creates a creamy spread that helps the breadcrumb topping adhere to the fish while adding flavor and moisture.
How many cod fillets are needed for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 skinless cod fish fillets, weighing approximately 6 ounces each.
How thick should the cod fillets be?
For best results, use cod fillets that are about 1 1/2-inches thick.
How do I ensure the fish is clean and ready for cooking?
Rinse the cod fillets under cool water and pat them completely dry with paper towels before seasoning with salt.
What is the best way to apply the toppings to the fish?
Use a pastry brush to coat the fillets with the mustard-mayo mixture, then press the breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the top of each fillet.
How long should the cod bake in the oven?
Bake the fillets for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
What if the breadcrumbs are not brown enough after baking?
You can switch the oven to broil for an additional 2 minutes, but watch closely to prevent burning.
What side dishes pair well with this baked cod?
The recipe recommends serving it with microwaved white or sweet potatoes for a complete meal.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is categorized as a healthy dinner and high protein meal that avoids the oiliness of traditional frying.
What type of butter should I use?
The recipe specifically recommends using 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
Should I use fresh or dried parsley?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of minced fresh parsley for the best flavor profile.
What kind of mayonnaise is suggested?
Reduced-fat mayonnaise is used to keep the dish lighter while maintaining creaminess.
How do I make cleanup easier?
Line your rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil before placing the fish on it.
Can I use this recipe for other types of fish?
While designed for cod, this garlic herb crust would work well on other mild white fish fillets.
How much garlic is needed?
The recipe uses 1 minced garlic clove to season the breadcrumb topping.
Is salt added to the fish?
Yes, a light amount of salt is sprinkled over each fillet after patting them dry.
Does the recipe use lemon juice or lemon zest?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of finely grated lemon zest mixed into the crust.
What is the texture of the finished fish?
The fish should be tender and flaky on the inside with a satisfying golden crunch on the outside.
Can this be a weeknight meal?
Yes, its 30-minute total time makes it an ideal choice for a quick weeknight dinner.
Is it okay to sauté the garlic for a long time?
No, you should only sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant to avoid burning it.
How much Dijon mustard is used?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard.
Is this recipe suitable for a special occasion?
Yes, its elevated flavors and presentation make it suitable for both weeknights and special occasions.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The recipe yields 4 servings, as it uses 4 individual cod fillets.
Should I let the breadcrumb mixture cool?
Yes, the instructions suggest allowing the breadcrumb mixture to cool slightly after mixing in the parsley and zest.