Lemon Garlic Crusted Cod with Crispy Panko

Crispy Garlic Lemon Cod for Dinner My Panko Magic

By Laura TideSeptember 21, 2025

Table of Contents

Ready for Some Crispy Garlic Lemon Cod for Dinner?

Fancy a bit of sunshine on your plate? I've been playing around in the kitchen, and this Crispy Garlic Lemon Cod is the result.

It's basically sunshine in a bite! We're talking flaky cod, a zesty lemon kick, and a crunch that'll make you smile.

Honestly, it is an Easy Weeknight Dinner Recipes , even your kids will love.

A Taste of the Mediterranean, Right Here!

Think of this as a Mediterranean holiday, but on a plate. It's simple fare from around the sea. This Lemon Garlic Fish Recipe is super easy.

We're talking 35 minutes from start to finish. This recipe makes 4 servings , perfect for a family dinner.

Why You'll Love This Baked Cod Recipes

Did you know that cod is packed with lean protein? It is great for your health. Plus, this recipe is perfect for a quick and tasty weeknight dinner.

Trust me, this is the Crispy Fish Recipe you've been waiting for! Especially when served with the Angel Hair Lemon Garlic Pasta !

The Key Ingredients for Garlic Lemon Fish

Right then, you’ll need: cod fillets, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, salt, pepper, panko breadcrumbs, and parsley.

Having some fresh lemon is crucial. The zest and juice bring the dish to life.

Ingredients & Equipment for Your Crispy Garlic Lemon Cod

Right, let's talk about what you need to make this amazing Crispy Garlic Lemon Cod for dinner! Don't worry, it's not a faff.

I promise. We will also be making Angel Hair Lemon Garlic Pasta as a side dish. It's seriously one of my go-to Quick Easy Dinner options.

Main Ingredients: The Starters

Cod fillets: You'll need 1.5 lbs (680g) of skinless cod. Look for nice, thick fillets, about 1 inch. Fresh cod should smell, well, like the sea! None of that dodgy fishy smell, alright?
Olive oil: 1/4 cup (60ml) . Good quality olive oil is the key!
Garlic: 4 cloves , minced. Honestly, I sometimes sneak in an extra clove or two. Don't tell anyone.
Lemon juice: 1/4 cup (60ml) . Freshly squeezed is best.
Lemon zest: 2 tablespoons (30ml) . Adds a real zing!
Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon (5ml) .
Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) , plus more to taste. Season it well!
Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) , plus more to taste.
Panko breadcrumbs: 1 cup (100g) . These are what give you that amazing Crispy Fish Recipe texture. So yummy!
Fresh parsley: 1/4 cup (25g) , chopped (optional, for garnish).
Lemon wedges, for serving.

Seasoning Notes: The Flavor Boosters

For the best flavor, don't skimp on the garlic and lemon. These are your main flavor pals. Oregano is a classic pairing with lemon and fish.

Also think of adding Lemon Shrimp Angel Hair Pasta for another meal. I always have oregano in my pantry!. If you're missing oregano, a pinch of Italian seasoning will do in a pinch.

Add Lemon Garlic Shrimp Angel Hair Pasta to the menu

Equipment Needed: Simple is Best

You don't need fancy gear for this Easy Weeknight Dinner Recipes . Honestly, a baking sheet is important. Parchment paper makes cleanup easier.

Shallow bowls are handy for breading, and a zester for your lemon. That's it! You're good to go! This also makes for great Baked Cod Recipes

Honestly, I sometimes just use a plate for breading and it works just fine. So whatever you have works! Let's make some Crispy Garlic Lemon Cod ! I have a feeling that this Lemon Garlic Fish Recipe will become a staple in your household.

This Panko Crusted Cod will definitely become a new favorite!

Let's Cook Crispy Garlic Lemon Cod

Honestly, who doesn't love a bit of Crispy Garlic Lemon Cod for dinner? It's proper easy and tastes like you've spent hours slaving away.

Plus, you can easily whip up some Lemon Shrimp Angel Hair Pasta to go with it. Proper restaurant quality stuff.

Prep Like a Pro

First things first, the mise en place . It sounds fancy, but it just means getting everything ready before you start.

Mince your 4 cloves of garlic , zest that lemon like you mean it, and grab that 1.5 lbs (680g) of cod .

Time saving tip? Get your baking sheet lined with parchment paper now. Honestly, it makes cleanup a doddle.

Cooking: From Zero to Hero

Preheat your oven to 400° F ( 200° C) . Trust me, this is important.
Mix 1/4 cup (60ml) of olive oil with your minced garlic, 1/4 cup (60ml) of lemon juice , zest, 1 teaspoon (5ml) of oregano , 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) of salt , and 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) of pepper . This is your flavour bomb.
Pile your 1 cup (100g) of Panko breadcrumbs into another bowl. Get ready to rumble!
Dip each cod fillet in that yummy garlic lemon oil, then dunk it in the panko. Make sure it's properly coated.
Pop those fillets on your baking sheet and bake for 15- 20 minutes . You're looking for that internal temp to hit 145° F ( 63° C) .
Garnish with 1/4 cup (25g) of parsley (optional), and serve with lemon wedges.

Pro Tips and Tricks

Want next level Crispy Fish Recipe ? Pat the cod dry before coating it. This helps the panko stick like glue.

Avoid the rookie mistake of overcrowding the pan. Fish needs space to breathe and get crispy.

Fancy a make-ahead option? Mix the garlic lemon oil a day before. It gives the flavors time to mingle. You can easily pair this dish with some Angel Hair Pasta .

Why not try a quick and Easy Weeknight Dinner like this Lemon Garlic Shrimp Angel Hair Pasta ?

This Lemon Garlic Fish Recipe is a winner. Looking for Baked Cod Recipes ? This is top tier.

Right then, let’s get cracking on this Crispy Garlic Lemon Cod recipe! Think posh fish and chips, but with a bit more finesse, eh? This dish is simple enough for a weeknight, but impressive enough for your mum’s Sunday lunch.

Recipe Notes for Your Crispy Fish Recipe

Alright, now that you're armed with the recipe for amazing Crispy Garlic Lemon Cod for dinner, let's chat about a few extra bits to make sure it goes swimmingly.

Honestly, these are the things I wish I knew the first time I made it!

Serving Suggestions: Level Up Your Quick Easy Dinner

Presentation matters, innit? Think about plating your Crispy Garlic Lemon Cod atop a bed of fluffy couscous. A swirl of creamy aioli alongside will add richness.

Squeeze some fresh lemon over. For sides, how about some roasted asparagus, or even better, a vibrant salad? The acidity of the salad is like a palette cleanser.

For drinks, a chilled glass of crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a sparkling elderflower presse would be spot on.

Storage Tips: Making the Most of Your Lemon Garlic Fish Recipe

Got leftovers? No worries! Once it's cooled down properly, pop your Crispy Garlic Lemon Cod in an airtight container. It'll keep in the fridge for up to three days.

Freezing? Hmmm, I wouldn't recommend it. The panko crust gets a bit soggy when defrosted. Reheating is best done in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through.

This will help to crisp it up a bit. Microwaving it... well, let's just say it won't be quite as Crispy .

Variations: Keepin' It Fresh and Fun

Fancy a change? Go with a spicy kick! Add a pinch of chilli flakes to the Lemon Garlic oil mix for a bit of heat.

On the lighter side, switch out the regular panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free ones or even try almond flour. This makes it great for those after Baked Cod Recipes .

How about swapping in other types of fish? Haddock or pollock work great. Or you could even go for the Lemon Shrimp Angel Hair Pasta

Nutrition Basics: The Good Stuff

So, each serving of this Crispy Garlic Lemon Cod is roughly 350 calories. You are also looking at about 35 grams of protein! It also has 18 grams of fat, and 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Cod is a cracking source of lean protein. It's loaded with vitamins and minerals. Plus, the lemon and garlic give you a boost of antioxidants.

You can think about pairing this recipe with some Angel Hair Pasta . I have tried Lemon Garlic Shrimp Angel Hair Pasta before, so why not Angel Hair Lemon Garlic Pasta ? The ingredients will help to keep your heart happy.

A healthy gut can reduce inflammation. I had a friend that was in a bad position that changed their life around eating healthy.

It is the same reason I wanted to learn how to cook.

Right then, there you have it. Sorted! Whether you are looking for Easy Weeknight Dinner Recipes , or just a fan of Panko Crusted Cod , this recipe is a must.

Don't be shy to experiment with the variations. I’m confident that you will nail it!.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make sure my Crispy Garlic Lemon Cod for turns out perfectly crispy every time?

The key to super crispy cod is to pat the fillets completely dry with paper towels before coating them this helps the breadcrumbs stick properly. Also, don't overcrowd the baking sheet; give each fillet some space for the hot air to circulate.

Finally, for the last minute or two under the grill/broiler (watching carefully, mind you!) can give it that extra golden brown crunch, like a perfectly cooked chip!

Can I use frozen cod fillets for this Crispy Garlic Lemon Cod recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the cod fillets completely before starting. Gently pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture again, this helps with crispiness.

Thawing them overnight in the fridge is the best method, but if you're in a pinch, you can use the cold water method (just be sure to change the water every 30 minutes or so).

What's the best way to store leftover Crispy Garlic Lemon Cod and how long will it last?

Leftover Crispy Garlic Lemon Cod can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheating can be tricky to retain the crispness but using an air fryer to reheat will help maintain the texture. Alternatively, a quick heat-up in a pan is the other best way to reheat your cod.

I'm looking for a healthier version of this Crispy Garlic Lemon Cod for recipe any suggestions?

You can definitely lighten things up a bit! Try using whole wheat panko breadcrumbs for added fiber. Alternatively, use almond flour to cut down on the carbs. Baking the cod on a wire rack placed on top of the baking sheet can also help with crisping without needing extra oil. You could also air fry the fish.

Serve with some steamed greens for a healthy balanced meal - bobs your uncle!

Can I add other herbs and spices to the Crispy Garlic Lemon Cod recipe?

Definitely! Feel free to experiment with other herbs and spices to customize the flavor. Some great additions would be fresh dill, thyme, or rosemary. A pinch of paprika or red pepper flakes could add a little kick.

Don't be afraid to get creative and put your own spin on it after all, cooking should be fun, right?

What are some good side dishes to serve with this Crispy Garlic Lemon Cod for recipe?

This dish is incredibly versatile! It pairs beautifully with a light salad, roasted vegetables (like asparagus or broccoli), or some fluffy quinoa. For a more indulgent treat, how about serving it alongside some chunky chips and mushy peas a slightly elevated take on classic fish and chips!

Or, if you fancy something a bit more Mediterranean, some lemon herb risotto would be spot on.