Description
A quick and easy baked cod recipe featuring a crispy panko crust, fresh lemon zest, and dill. This healthy dinner is ready in under 30 minutes and offers a restaurant-quality texture without deep frying.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 to 2 lbs cod fillets (fresh or thawed)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1 large lemon (zest and juice)
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped finely
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- Pinch of smoked paprika (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a 13×18 inch baking sheet with parchment paper or grease lightly. If using a wire rack, place it on the sheet pan.
- Pat cod fillets dry with paper towels to ensure crispiness. Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper.
- Set up a dredging station with three shallow bowls: one with flour and a pinch of salt/pepper, one with beaten eggs, and one with Panko breadcrumbs mixed with lemon zest, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and remaining salt/pepper.
- Dredge each fillet in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into the egg wash, then press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture to coat evenly.
- Place coated fillets on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them for air circulation.
- Drizzle or brush melted butter over the top of each fillet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until the fish is opaque throughout and flakes easily with a fork. Internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
- Remove from oven and let rest for 2 minutes. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top and garnish with fresh dill before serving.
Notes
Ensure fish is thoroughly dried before coating to prevent a soggy crust. Do not crowd the pan; use two sheets if necessary. For extra crispiness, let coated fish rest for 5 minutes before baking. To make gluten-free, use GF flour and GF Panko. To make dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet per serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 35
Keywords: baked cod, lemon dill fish, healthy dinner, crispy fish, quick recipes, weeknight dinner, omega-3, gluten-free option