Description
This Garlic Parmesan Baked Cod features tender, flaky fish with a golden Parmesan crust infused with garlic, butter, and herbs. Ready in 20 minutes with minimal effort – perfect for healthy weeknight dinners!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1½ to 2 lbs cod fillets (4 pieces, about 6 oz each)
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- Optional: ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature ensures the Parmesan crust becomes golden and slightly crispy while the fish stays moist inside. Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease with cooking spray for easier cleanup (optional but recommended).
- Prepare the fish: Pat cod fillets completely dry with paper towels – this is crucial! Moisture prevents the Parmesan crust from adhering and browning properly. Arrange fillets in the prepared baking dish in a single layer with a little space between each piece for even cooking. Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper.
- Make the Parmesan topping: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, lemon juice, lemon zest, paprika, and any optional ingredients (breadcrumbs, red pepper flakes). Mix thoroughly with a fork until everything is well combined and resembles a thick paste. The mixture should be spreadable but not runny.
- Coat the fish: Divide the Parmesan mixture evenly among the four cod fillets. Use a spoon or your fingers to spread it over the top of each fillet, creating an even layer that covers the entire surface. Press gently so the topping adheres well to the fish. Don’t worry about being too precise – rustic is beautiful!
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. The exact time depends on the thickness of your fillets. The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork, appears opaque throughout (no translucent parts), and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. The Parmesan topping should be golden brown and slightly crispy on top.
- Optional broil for extra crispiness: If you want an even more golden, crispy crust, turn on the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking. Watch carefully – it can go from perfect to burnt in seconds! This step creates restaurant-quality appearance with a beautifully caramelized top.
- Rest and serve: Remove from oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes. This allows the fish to finish cooking gently and the juices to redistribute. Garnish with extra fresh parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing. The fresh lemon juice brightened everything and adds essential brightness!
Notes
- Thickness matters: Thicker fillets (1-1½ inches) need the full 15 minutes or slightly more; thinner fillets (¾ inch) may be done in 10-12 minutes
- Don’t overcook: Fish continues cooking after removing from oven, so pull it when just done to prevent dryness
- Pat fish dry thoroughly: This is the most important step for a crispy, adhering crust
- Fresh Parmesan is essential: Pre-grated cheese won’t melt and brown properly
- Check doneness: Fish should flake easily, be opaque throughout, and reach 145°F internal temperature
- Frozen fish works great: Just thaw completely and pat extra dry before cooking
- Make it dairy-free: Use olive oil instead of butter and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan
- Add vegetables: Place asparagus, cherry tomatoes, or green beans around the fish to roast simultaneously
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cod fillet (approximately 6 oz with topping)
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg