Parmesan Crusted Cod with a Zesty Twist

$To make Parmesan crusted cod, you need a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need: - 4 cod fillets (approx. 6 oz each) - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch) - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped - 1 tablespoon lemon zest - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a kick) - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard - 2 tablespoons olive oil These ingredients come together to create a dish that is both tasty and easy to prepare. If you don’t have some of these fresh items, don’t worry! Here are some easy swaps: - Cod fillets: You can use other white fish, like haddock or tilapia. - Fresh parsley: Dried parsley works too, but use less since it’s more potent. - Lemon zest: Use lemon juice in a pinch, but zest adds more flavor. - Garlic: Garlic powder can replace fresh garlic if you’re out. These swaps will still give you a delicious meal, so feel free to get creative! This recipe shines with the right seasonings. Here are some ideas to enhance your dish: - Herbs: Try adding thyme or basil for a different flavor. - Spices: A touch of paprika adds a nice color and flavor. - Condiments: You can mix some mustard with honey for a sweet twist. Experimenting with seasonings can give your Parmesan crusted cod a unique flair. Enjoy the process and make it your own! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This makes sure the oven is hot enough for baking. Next, take your cod fillets and pat them dry with paper towels. Drying helps the crust stick better. Sprinkle a little salt and pepper on both sides of the fillets for flavor. This simple step makes a big difference. In a mixing bowl, combine these ingredients: - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch) - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped - 1 tablespoon lemon zest - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a kick) - Salt and pepper to taste Mix all these ingredients well. This creates a tasty crust that adds flavor and texture to your cod. The Parmesan cheese gives a nice salty taste, while the parsley adds freshness. If you like some heat, the red pepper flakes will do the trick. Now, it’s time to put everything together. First, spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on the top of each cod fillet. This helps the crust stick and adds a tangy flavor. Then, press the Parmesan mixture onto the mustard-coated side of each fillet. Make sure to cover it well for a thick crust. Next, drizzle a bit of olive oil over the crust for richness and to help it brown nicely. Place the crusted cod fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in your preheated oven for 12-15 minutes. The cod is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. The crust should be golden brown and delicious. Once baked, let the cod rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This helps keep the fish juicy. Enjoy your meal! To get a great crust, use panko breadcrumbs. They add extra crunch. Mix the breadcrumbs well with Parmesan cheese, parsley, and spices. This mix should feel thick and rich. When you press it onto the cod, make sure it sticks well. The Dijon mustard helps with this. Don’t rush this step. A good crust makes each bite special. Parmesan crusted cod goes well with many sides. Try serving it on lemon-herb quinoa. This adds a bright flavor that complements the fish. Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans work too. You can also serve it with a fresh salad. A light vinaigrette can balance the richness of the cod. Cook your cod at 400°F (200°C). Bake for 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden. The fish should reach an internal temperature of 145°F. Use a quick-read thermometer for best results. Let it rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps keep the fish moist and flavorful. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cod and high-quality Parmesan can make a significant difference in flavor. Always opt for fresh, wild-caught cod when possible. Customize the Crust: Feel free to experiment with different herbs or spices in the breadcrumb mixture, such as thyme or smoked paprika, to match your taste preferences. Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cod while it bakes to avoid drying it out. The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. Pair with Sides: This dish pairs beautifully with a light salad or roasted vegetables, which complement the richness of the Parmesan crust. {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of Parmesan crusted cod by using different herbs. Try adding dill or basil for a fresh taste. Oregano gives a nice earthy flavor. You can also use thyme for a warm touch. Just chop up a tablespoon and mix it into the crust. This simple change can make your dish feel new and exciting. If you don't have cod, no problem! You can use other fish like haddock or tilapia. Both have a mild flavor and work well with the Parmesan crust. Salmon is another great choice. It has a richer taste and holds up well during cooking. Just adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the fish. To make this dish gluten-free, swap out the breadcrumbs. You can use gluten-free panko or crushed gluten-free crackers. They will still give you that nice crunch. If you want, you can also use ground almonds or coconut flakes for a different texture. Just make sure to check the labels for any hidden gluten. Enjoy your tasty, gluten-free meal! Store any leftover Parmesan crusted cod in an airtight container. Make sure to let it cool first. Place it in the fridge. It can last up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cod on a baking sheet. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 10-12 minutes. You can also use a microwave. Just heat for 1-2 minutes, but this may soften the crust. You can freeze Parmesan crusted cod if you need to. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, they won’t get freezer burn. They can stay in the freezer for about two months. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat. Enjoy the flavors again! Yes, you can use frozen cod fillets. Just thaw them first. To thaw, leave them in the fridge overnight or run them under cold water for a quick method. Make sure to pat them dry before seasoning and adding the crust. This way, you get a nice, crispy texture. Parmesan crusted cod pairs well with many sides. Here are some ideas: - Lemon-herb quinoa for a fresh touch - Steamed green beans or asparagus for crunch - A light salad with mixed greens and vinaigrette - Roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes for heartiness These sides will balance the flavors and make your meal complete. To check if your cod is done, look for a few signs: - The fish should be opaque and flaky. - The internal temperature should reach 145°F. - When you poke it with a fork, it should break apart easily. Use a meat thermometer for the best results. This ensures you get tasty, perfectly cooked cod every time. This blog post covered all you need for Parmesan crusted cod. We started with ingredients, discussing key items and substitutions. I shared steps for prepping and baking the cod. You learned tips for a perfect crust and pairing ideas. Variations included herbs, other fish, and gluten-free options. Lastly, I provided storage tips and answered common questions. Enjoy cooking this tasty dish! You now have all the tools to make it great.$

Parmesan Crusted Cod with a Zesty Twist

A delicious cod fillet topped with a crispy Parmesan crust and zesty flavors.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine Seafood

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 fillets cod (approx. 6 oz each)
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
0.5 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon lemon zest
2 cloves garlic, minced
0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
to taste salt and pepper
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
In a mixing bowl, combine grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, fresh parsley, lemon zest, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix until well incorporated to create the crust mixture.
Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels and season each side lightly with salt and pepper.
Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard over the top of each cod fillet; this will help the crust adhere and enhance the flavor.
Press the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture onto the mustard-coated side of the cod fillets to create a thick crust. Be generous!
Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the crusted cod for added richness and to help achieve a golden color.
Place the cod fillets on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through (internal temperature of 145°F) and the crust is golden brown.
Once done, let the cod rest for a couple of minutes before serving to retain its juices.

Notes

Serve on a bed of lemon-herb quinoa and garnish with lemon wedges and parsley.

Keyword baked fish, cod, Parmesan, seafood recipe