Lemon Herb Baked Cod with Crispy Breadcrumbs
- Recipe Introduction
- Why You'll Love This Baked Cod!
- The Secret Ingredient? Freshness!
- Ingredients & Equipment for the Perfect Baked Cod
- Prep Like a Pro for Your Baked Cod
- Baking Beautiful Baked Cod, Step-by-Step
- Pro Tips for Absolutely Perfect Baked Cod
- Recipe Notes for the Best Baked Cod Ever
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 📝 Recipe Card
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy some Easy To Cook Healthy Meals ? Me too! This baked cod recipe is a lifesaver. Honestly, it’s got that zesty, herby vibe going on.
You know, like sunshine on a plate.
Brief Overview
This lemon herb cod recipe brings a bit of the Mediterranean to your kitchen. It's dead easy and needs only a short time to prepare. This recipe serves four hungry people!
Main Benefits
This recipe is a great source of lean protein. Serve it for a quick weeknight dinner. What makes it special? The crispy breadcrumbs and zingy lemon.
Perfect for your Pescetarian Meal Plan and just overall super tasty.
Why You'll Love This Baked Cod!
Right, so you're probably thinking, "Cod? Really?" Hear me out. This isn’t your nan’s bland healthy cod recipes . It's a quick baked cod dish bursting with flavour.
I remember the first time I made this. I was trying to impress a date (it worked!). Let's dive into what makes it tick.
It starts with quality fish. Then, the magic happens with the lemon herb marinade. And, for the grand finale, crispy breadcrumbs.
We’re talking proper posh comfort food, this. Think fresh and healthy, but still satisfying. Baked Cod with breadcrumbs ? Yes, please!
This Easy baked cod recipe is surprisingly versatile too. You can serve it with roasted veggies, lemon rice, or a dollop of tartar sauce.
Honestly, it's become a staple in my pescetarian food rotation.
The Secret Ingredient? Freshness!
Honestly, the fresher the cod, the better it tastes. If you can, get it from your local fishmonger. It makes a real difference.
This baked cod fillet recipe uses simple ingredients. But the key is that they are all really good quality. Fresh herbs make the marinade sing.
Plus the panko breadcrumbs give that fantastic crunch. Think of it as a simple Mediterranean baked cod , just with a British twist.
Let's get into the ingredients now.
Ingredients & Equipment for the Perfect Baked Cod
Alright, let's get down to the nitty gritty. What do you need to make this easy baked cod recipe sing? Honestly, not much! We're aiming for easy to cook healthy meals here, not a Michelin star challenge.
This lemon herb cod recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, even if you're on a pescetarian meal plan .
It also works great on a pescetarian food plan
Main Players: The Ingredients
- Cod Fillets: You'll need 4 fillets, each about 6 ounces (170g) . Make sure they're skinless and about 1 inch thick.
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) will do the trick.
- Lemon: Grab 1 juicy lemon. We'll use the zest and juice about 2 tablespoons (30 ml) .
- Garlic: Just 1 clove, minced. No need to go overboard.
- Fresh Herbs: 1/4 cup (15g) each of chopped fresh parsley and dill. Fresh herbs are a game changer.
- Seasoning: 1/4 teaspoon (1.5g) each of salt and black pepper. Season to taste, mind you!
- Panko Breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup (50g) of these bad boys. They give the best crunch.
- Butter: 2 tablespoons (30g) of unsalted butter, melted.
- Parmesan Cheese: 1 tablespoon (15g) , grated. Adds a lovely bit of saltiness.
- Garlic Powder: 1/4 teaspoon (1.5g) for extra flavour.
If your cod doesn't smell fresh, don't buy it. The fillets should be firm and have a pearly sheen. This is very important for healthy cod recipes .
Spice it Up: Seasoning Notes
The magic's in the herbs and lemon. They make this baked cod so vibrant. You can always add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick.
I sometimes add a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the marinade for depth try it! If you're missing dill, oregano would be a decent substitute, especially for a Mediterranean baked cod .
Gear Up: Equipment Needed
You don't need fancy equipment, just the basics:
- A 9x13 inch baking dish.
- A small bowl for the marinade and breadcrumbs.
- A lemon zester. Honestly, a grater works in a pinch.
- A citrus juicer. Squeezing by hand is fine too.
- Measuring cups and spoons. Eyeballing also works sometimes.
That’s it! Simple, right? You don’t need a kitchen full of gadgets to make this quick baked cod a reality.
Right then, let's get cracking on this lemon herb cod recipe . Think 'comfort food' meets 'healthy and delicious'. Bit like a hug on a plate, really.
This is seriously one of the easy to cook healthy meals I whip up when I'm feeling a bit knackered after work.
This recipe is like bringing a bit of the pescetarian food lifestyle into your week.
Prep Like a Pro for Your Baked Cod
Honestly, a bit of prep makes all the difference. It's called mise en place , fancy, innit? Get your cod fillets, about 4 (6-ounce/170g) bits, and other bits ready before you start cooking.
Essential Bits and Bobs
Chop those herbs, zest that lemon, and mince that garlic. Get it all measured out. Honestly, it saves so much faff later.
Grab 1 lemon . You'll want the zest and juice. You'll also need 1 clove of garlic and about 1/4 cup/15g each of parsley and dill.
Plus, it is always a healthy cod recipe to have!
Time Saving Tips, You Know?
Mince the garlic and chop the herbs while the oven is preheating. Multi tasking, innit? I normally get everything ready before the oven gets to 400° F/ 200° C . Makes life easier!
Baking Beautiful Baked Cod, step-by-step
Right, now for the good stuff! We are going to bake some cod ! This recipe is so simple, it's almost criminal. A brilliant easy baked cod recipe for sure.
- Prep the Cod: Pat those cod fillets dry. Seriously, get them bone dry.
- Make the Marinade: Olive oil, lemon zest and juice, garlic, herbs. Give it a good whisk! Get 1 tablespoon/15 ml olive oil , the lemon bits, 1/4 teaspoon/1.5g salt , and 1/4 teaspoon/1.5g black pepper in a bowl.
- Marinate: Pour the marinade all over the cod. Get every bit covered!
- Breadcrumb Time: Panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, Parmesan, garlic powder. Mix it all up! Combine 1/2 cup/50g panko breadcrumbs , 2 tablespoons/30g melted butter , 1 tablespoon/15g grated Parmesan cheese , and 1/4 teaspoon/1.5g garlic powder .
- Top It: Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the cod.
- Bake: Into the oven at 400° F/ 200° C for 15- 20 minutes .
- Serve: Ta-da! A quick baked cod masterpiece.
Pro Tips for Absolutely Perfect Baked Cod
Want to take your baked cod with breadcrumbs to the next level? I've got you covered. This recipe really could be a part of a pescetarian meal plan .
- Don't overcook it! Seriously, cod dries out quicker than you can say "fish and chips".
- Panko breadcrumbs are your mate here. They get extra crispy!
- Mediterranean baked cod , you say? Try adding some olives and sun-dried tomatoes to the marinade for that Mediterranean touch. Honestly, the options are endless.
And there you have it. A baked cod fillet recipe even your nan would be proud of. Honestly, give it a go, and let me know what you think! This is one of those healthy cod recipes that's a winner.
Recipe Notes for the Best Baked Cod Ever
So, you're about to make this lemon herb cod recipe . Awesome! I'm buzzing for you. Here are a few extra pointers to make it utterly brilliant .
Honestly, this easy baked cod recipe is so straightforward, but these little things can really elevate it. Think of them as secret weapons in your kitchen arsenal for easy to cook healthy meals .
Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro
Fancy pants plating time! Listen, nothing wrong with chucking it on a plate. But, if you wanna impress, try this.
Place the baked cod fillet recipe on a bed of vibrant green salad. A few lemon wedges really brighten it up.
Or, get posh with some creamy mashed potatoes and roasted asparagus. For drinks, a crisp white wine or even just a sparkling water with lemon is spot on.
This could also be a perfect and elegant dinner for your pescetarian meal plan !
Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This healthy cod recipe tastes amazing the next day. For refrigeration, pop the baked cod in an airtight container.
It'll be good for up to 3 days. I reckon it’s best cold in a sandwich. Freezing? I wouldn’t, to be honest.
The breadcrumbs can get a bit soggy. Reheating? Gently reheat in the oven at 300° F/ 150° C until warmed through.
Don't microwave it unless you’re desperate. Microwaves and fish just don't get along.
Variations: Mix it Up a Bit
Want to tweak things? Go wild! For a pescetarian food friendly, Mediterranean baked cod , add some chopped olives and sun-dried tomatoes to the breadcrumb mix.
It's delish! For a dietary swap, use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. During colder months, swap the parsley and dill for rosemary and thyme.
These seasonal ingredient swaps add such a different dimension!
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite
This quick baked cod is a nutritional powerhouse. Each serving is packed with protein and those healthy Omega-3 fatty acids.
It’s also relatively low in calories and carbs. Cod is a fantastic source of vitamin B12, too. So, you're not just eating something yummy, you're doing your body a solid too.
And if you are watching calories this healthy cod recipes won't leave you feeling guilty at all.
So there you have it. This baked cod with breadcrumbs is your ticket to deliciousness. This method provides the best baked cod .
Get in the kitchen, have some fun, and whip up this incredible dish! Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when my baked cod is cooked through? I don't want to end up with rubbery fish, mate!
Nobody wants rubbery fish! Your baked cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F/63°C. Start checking for doneness around the 15-minute mark, and remember, it's always better to slightly undercook than overcook, as it will continue to cook a little even after you take it out of the oven.
Think of it like brewing tea - you want that perfect steeping time!
Can I use frozen cod fillets for this baked cod recipe, or do they need to be fresh?
You can definitely use frozen cod! Just make sure the fillets are completely thawed before you start cooking. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture; this helps the marinade adhere better and prevents the fish from steaming in the oven.
Thaw them overnight in the fridge for the best results - nobody likes a soggy bottom, right?
What's the best way to store leftover baked cod, and how long will it last?
Store any leftover baked cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 2-3 days. When reheating, you can gently warm it in the oven or microwave, but be careful not to overcook it, or it will dry out.
A little drizzle of lemon juice when reheating can help keep it moist - like a little spa day for your leftover fish!
I'm trying to eat healthier. How can I lighten up this baked cod recipe without sacrificing flavor?
Good on you for wanting to eat healthy! To lighten up the baked cod, you could reduce the amount of butter in the breadcrumb topping or use a spray of olive oil instead of melted butter. You can also use whole wheat or gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.
Serve it with steamed greens instead of rice - a proper "clean plate club" meal!
My family isn't a fan of dill. What other herbs can I use in this baked cod recipe?
Not a dill fan? No worries! This recipe is quite versatile. Good substitutes include fresh oregano, basil, thyme, or a mix of Italian herbs. A little sprinkle of dried herbs can also be used in a pinch, just use about 1/3 of the amount called for fresh.
Experiment and find what your family loves - cooking should be a joy, not a chore!
Lemon Herb Baked Cod With Crispy Breadcrumbs
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 320 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 0g |
