Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs white fish fillets (Cod, Haddock, or Halibut)
- 0.5 tsp Kosher salt
- 0.25 tsp cracked black pepper
- 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon zest
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 0.5 tsp garlic powder
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prep. Set your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Toast the Panko. In a skillet over medium heat, combine 1.5 cups panko and 2 tbsp olive oil. Stir until the crumbs are the color of a golden retriever.
- Season the Crumbs. Remove panko from heat and stir in 1 tbsp lemon zest, 2 tbsp parsley, 1 tsp oregano, and 0.5 tsp garlic powder.
- Dry the Fish. Pat your 1.5 lbs of fish fillets very dry with paper towels. Listen for the tackiness of the skin; it should feel sticky, not wet.
- Set the Base. Season fish with 0.5 tsp salt and 0.25 tsp pepper, then dredge in 0.5 cup flour, shaking off any excess.
- The Binding Wash. Whisk 2 eggs and 1 tbsp Dijon mustard in a shallow bowl until completely smooth and pale yellow.
- Final Coating. Dip the floured fish into the egg wash, then press firmly into the toasted panko mixture.
- Bake the Fillets. Place fish on a parchment lined sheet (or a wire rack). Bake for 12-15 minutes until the thickest part flakes easily with a fork.
- Rest and Scent. Let the fish sit for 2 minutes. You should smell the toasted herbs intensified by the oven's heat.
- Serve Hot. Plate immediately with extra lemon wedges.