Baked Cod with Panko

Baked Cod with Panko is such a delightful dish that is as satisfying to make as it is to eat! Imagine the tender, flaky cod paired with a crispy, golden topping that brings a fantastic crunch. It’s perfect for dinner and easy enough for a weeknight meal. Plus, it’s healthy! You get lean protein and flavorful herbs that make your taste buds dance. This recipe has become a family favorite for its simplicity and taste. Let’s dive into this culinary adventure and make something memorable tonight!

What is Baked Cod With Panko

Baked Cod with Panko is a delightful seafood dish featuring tender cod fillets topped with a crispy, flavorful panko breadcrumb mixture. This combination creates a beautiful contrast in texture, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Cod With Panko

You’ll love this Baked Cod with Panko for its quick preparation, nutritious ingredients, and fantastic flavor profile. The panko breadcrumbs add a satisfying crunch, while the cod remains moist and flaky. It’s also a healthy option, combining lean protein with fresh herbs and spices.

Ingredients

• 2 (6 ounces each) cod fillets
• Juice of ¼ lemon
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt divided
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 ½ teaspoons dried crushed rosemary
• ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
• ¼ teaspoon paprika

Preparation Instructions

Preheat the Oven

First, preheat your oven to 425°F. While that’s warming up, prepare a baking dish by lightly coating it with cooking spray. This step will help the cod cook evenly and make clean-up a breeze.

Arrange the Cod Fillets

Next, place the cod fillets in the prepared baking dish. Squeeze the lemon juice over the fish, ensuring each piece is well coated. Then, season with ⅛ teaspoon of kosher salt. This little sprinkle will enhance the flavor as the cod cooks.

Sauté the Garlic

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, heat the extra virgin olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 1 minute, or until it’s fragrant. The scent of garlic is so inviting, isn’t it?

Prepare the Panko Mixture

Now, remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the panko breadcrumbs, dried crushed rosemary, ground pepper, and paprika. Mix well to ensure the breadcrumbs are evenly coated with the oil. This mixture will bring a lovely texture and flavor to the dish.

Top the Cod

It’s time to assemble the dish! Evenly distribute the panko mixture over each cod fillet, pressing down gently. This helps the crumbs stick, creating that delicious crust we want.

Bake the Cod

Now, place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Just keep in mind that cooking time may vary based on the thickness of the fillets, so keep an eye on them!

Serving Suggestions

Once the cod is ready, serve this Baked Cod with Panko alongside a fresh green salad, steamed vegetables, or a side of rice for a balanced meal. The bright colors and fresh flavors will make your plate inviting and delicious.

Tips for Success

• Be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of your cod fillets for optimal results.
• For added flavor, consider marinating the cod in lemon juice and herbs for about 30 minutes before baking. This little trick enhances the taste even more.

Variations

Feel free to get creative! Try adding some grated Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb mixture for a cheesy twist. Alternatively, switch up the herbs and spices by incorporating dill or oregano for a different flavor profile. There’s room to experiment, and you might discover a new favorite!

Storage Tips

If you happen to have any leftover Baked Cod with Panko, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture. The cod will still taste great, and you’ll appreciate having a quick meal ready to go.

Pairing Ideas

To elevate your dining experience, pair your Baked Cod with Panko with a glass of Chardonnay or a light Sauvignon Blanc. These wines complement the dish’s freshness and balance perfectly with the flavors of the seafood.

FAQs

1. Can I use another type of fish?
Yes, you can substitute cod with other white fish like haddock or tilapia, and it will still taste fantastic.

2. Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, simply use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs instead. They’re just as crunchy and delicious!

3. Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the breadcrumb mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.

4. What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?
Regular breadcrumbs can be used, but keep in mind the texture will not be as crispy.

5. How do I know when the cod is done?
The cod is done when it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork, usually after 12 to 14 minutes of baking.

Experience the delight of Baked Cod with Panko, a recipe that captures the essence of ease and flavor. This dish is more than just a nutritious meal; it’s a ticket to a delicious dining experience. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a culinary masterpiece that will please any palate. Enjoy the process and the flavors!

More Easy Lunch & Dinner Recipes:

• Brown Sugar Glazed Ham
• Rotisserie Chicken Salad
• Ina Garten Roast Chicken
• Lamb Loin Chops with Garlic

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Baked Cod with Panko

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Baked Cod with Panko is a delightful and healthy dish that combines flaky, tender cod with a crispy panko topping. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a special occasion, it’s both nutritious and satisfying.

• Total Time: 24 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 (6 ounces each) cod fillets
• Juice of ¼ lemon
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt divided
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 ½ teaspoons dried crushed rosemary
• ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
• ¼ teaspoon paprika

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 425°F and prepare a baking dish with cooking spray.
• Arrange the cod fillets in the dish and squeeze lemon juice over them; season with kosher salt.
• Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan and sauté garlic until fragrant.
• Add panko, dried rosemary, ground pepper, and paprika to the pan, mixing to coat.
• Spread the panko mixture over the cod fillets, pressing down gently.
• Bake for 12 to 14 minutes until the fish flakes easily with a fork.

Notes

Adjust cooking time based on cod fillet thickness for best results.
Marinate cod in lemon juice and herbs for enhanced flavor before baking.
Grated Parmesan can be added to the panko mixture for a cheesy twist.

• Author: Rachael
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 14 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Seafood

Nutrition

• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 0
• Sodium: 500
• Fat: 14
• Saturated Fat: 2
• Unsaturated Fat: 10
• Trans Fat: 0
• Carbohydrates: 20
• Fiber: 1
• Protein: 30
• Cholesterol: 60