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To make Parmesan crusted cod, you will need the following: - 4 cod fillets (approximately 6 oz each) - 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped - 1 tablespoon lemon zest (about 1 lemon) - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil You can swap ingredients based on what you have. Here are some ideas: - Cod fillets: Use haddock or tilapia for a different flavor. - Parmesan cheese: Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano work well too. - Panko breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs can replace panko. The texture will change slightly. - Fresh parsley: Basil or cilantro can add a unique twist. - Lemon zest: Lime zest or a splash of vinegar can brighten your dish too. - Dijon mustard: Whole grain mustard or yellow mustard will work in a pinch. - Olive oil: Avocado oil or melted butter can be a good alternative. Each serving of Parmesan crusted cod provides a healthy meal. Here’s a rough breakdown: - Calories: Approximately 350 - Protein: About 30g - Fat: 20g - Carbohydrates: 15g - Fiber: 1g - Sodium: Varies based on added salt This dish balances protein and healthy fats, making it a great choice for dinner. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, gather your ingredients. You will need: - 4 cod fillets (approximately 6 oz each) - 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped - 1 tablespoon lemon zest - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil Now, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will make cleanup easy. Next, mix the Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, parsley, lemon zest, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes in a bowl. Add a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until it’s well combined. This mixture will form your flavorful crust. Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. This step is key. Removing moisture helps the crust stick better. Lightly season both sides with salt and pepper. Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on the top of each fillet. The mustard adds a zesty flavor and helps the crust stick well. Press the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture onto the mustard-coated side of the fillets. Make sure to cover them well for a thick crust. Drizzle extra-virgin olive oil over the crust. This will help it turn golden and crispy while baking. Place the cod fillets on the lined baking sheet. Bake them in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes. You want the cod to reach an internal temperature of 145°F and for the crust to be golden brown. After baking, check that the cod is flaky and opaque. You can use a fork to test. Gently pull apart a piece to see if it flakes easily. If it does, the cod is done! Let the fish rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps keep it juicy. Enjoy your Parmesan crusted cod with your favorite sides! To get that crispy crust on your Parmesan crusted cod, use panko breadcrumbs. They add a great crunch! Mix them well with the Parmesan cheese. Make sure to press the mixture firmly onto the fish. This helps the crust stay on while baking. Drizzle a little olive oil over the crust. It will help it brown nicely in the oven. Want to boost the taste? Add lemon zest for a fresh kick. You can also mix in some red pepper flakes if you like heat. Fresh parsley adds color and flavor, too. Don’t skip the Dijon mustard. It helps the crust stick and adds a nice tang. You can also try different herbs to change the flavor. Basil or thyme would work well. Serve your Parmesan crusted cod with lemon-herb quinoa for a tasty meal. The nutty flavor of quinoa pairs perfectly with the fish. Garnish your plate with lemon wedges and extra parsley for a pop of color. A side salad also works well, adding freshness to your dish. Enjoy this meal hot for the best taste! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cod and high-quality Parmesan cheese will enhance the flavor and texture of your dish, ensuring a delicious result. Monitor Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the cod as it bakes; overcooking can lead to dry fish. Aim for a golden crust and an internal temperature of 145°F. Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to mix in other herbs such as thyme or dill with the parsley for a unique flavor profile that complements the cod. Serve with a Sauce: A light lemon butter or tartar sauce can elevate the dish even further, adding moisture and a zesty flavor that pairs beautifully with the crusted cod. {{image_4}} You can add different herbs to the crust. Try using fresh basil or thyme. These herbs add a nice touch of flavor. Just chop them finely and mix them in with the Parmesan and breadcrumbs. You can also add dried herbs if you don’t have fresh ones. Oregano and dill work well too. This gives your cod a fresh and lively taste. If you like heat, you can spice things up. Add more red pepper flakes to the crust mix. For an extra kick, try mixing in some cayenne pepper. You can also serve the cod with a zesty hot sauce on the side. This makes each bite exciting and bold. Just remember to adjust the amounts to suit your taste. Cod isn’t the only fish you can use. Try using tilapia or haddock for a milder flavor. Salmon is also a great option if you want something richer. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time. Different fish may need more or less time in the oven. Always check for that golden crust and flaky texture to know when it's done. After enjoying your Parmesan crusted cod, store leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the fish fresh and tasty. Place the container in the fridge. You can keep it there for up to three days. Make sure to let it cool before sealing it. This helps avoid moisture buildup. When you’re ready to eat leftovers, reheat the cod gently. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cod on a baking sheet. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Bake for about 10 minutes or until heated through. This way, the crust stays crispy. If you want to save the cod for later, freezing is a good option. Wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap. Then, put them in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible. You can freeze the cod for up to two months. To cook, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. This keeps the flavor and texture better. You can use yellow mustard in place of Dijon mustard. It has a milder taste but still adds a nice tang. Another option is whole grain mustard. It gives a bit more texture and flavor. If you want something different, try using mayonnaise or Greek yogurt. Both will keep the crust moist and help it stick. Yes, fresh fish works well for this recipe. The key is to ensure it is firm and flaky. Fresh cod will have a mild flavor and tender texture. Just make sure to pat it dry before adding the mustard and crust. This helps the crust stick better and keeps the fish from becoming soggy. The best way to check if cod is done is by using a food thermometer. The cod should reach an internal temperature of 145°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can check the texture. The fish should flake easily with a fork and look opaque all the way through. If it still looks translucent, it needs more time to cook. This guide covered essential ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips for success. You learned about ingredient swaps and nutritional info, plus easy baking methods. I shared ways to make your dish crisp and flavorful, along with serving ideas. Variations let you get creative with herbs and spices. Finally, I explained how to store leftovers and answered common questions. Cooking is fun and rewarding. Dive in and enjoy every bite!

Parmesan Crusted Cod with a Zesty Twist

A delicious and crispy cod fillet topped with a flavorful Parmesan crust and a hint of lemon.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Seafood
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 fillets cod fillets (approximately 6 oz each)
  • 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 2 panko breadcrumbs (for extra crispiness)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for added heat)
  • to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup easier.
  • In a mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, lemon zest, minced garlic, red pepper flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until the mixture is evenly blended to form your crust mixture.
  • Carefully pat the cod fillets dry using paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor of the fish.
  • Using a knife or spatula, spread a thin, even layer of Dijon mustard over the top of each cod fillet.
  • Generously press the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture onto the mustard-coated side of each cod fillet.
  • Drizzle a bit of extra-virgin olive oil over the crusted cod.
  • Arrange the cod fillets on the prepared baking sheet and place them in the preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cod is cooked throughout and the crust is a lovely golden brown.
  • Once baked, allow the cod to rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

For an elegant touch, serve the cod atop a bed of lemon-herb quinoa and garnish with lemon wedges and parsley.
Keyword baked fish, cod, Parmesan, seafood recipe