Baked Panko Crusted Cod Fish

This delicious panko crusted cod fish makes a perfect dinner for any occasion. Enjoy the crunchy texture and flavor of this easy-to-make baked fish dish!

Panko is a type of Japanese-style breadcrumb that is light, airy, and crunchy. It makes the perfect golden crust for fish fillets like cod.

When cooking cod, panko bread crumbs are a great option as they offer a crunchy texture that pairs well with the delicate flakiness of the fish. They will also help prevent the cod fish fillets from drying out during baking.

To top it off, this dish requires minimal ingredients and can be cooked quickly. From its quick preparation to its fantastic flavor, there are so many reasons why panko baked cod should become your go-to seafood dish.

Ingredients

Another great thing about this recipe is that you only need a handful of simple ingredients in addition to the mild white fish fillets.

Here is everything you need to make this baked cod with panko recipe:

• Cod fillets
• Fresh lemon juice
• Salt and ground black pepper
• Panko bread crumbs
• Oregano
• Fresh parsley
• Unsalted butter

Scroll down to the recipe card for the amounts used.

Instructions

Only a few steps are needed to make this crispy oven-baked cod dish. All you need to do is preheat the oven, season the fish, coat it with a panko mixture and bake it until done. That's it!

Place the cod fillets into a prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Then, divide the panko mixture over the fillets and gently press to stick to the fish.

Bake for 12 to 14 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the fish is cooked through with an internal temperature of 145ºF.

When finished, remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving with your favorite sides!

Variations

There are many different ways to make this baked cod with panko breadcrumbs.

• Add your favorite herbs for extra flavor. For an extra touch, top with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro before serving.
• Try swapping out regular panko breadcrumbs for flavored ones. For a unique twist on panko-crusted cod, use garlic-parmesan or sriracha-flavored breadcrumbs that will add even more flavor to your dish.
• Add additional seasonings. Garlic powder, lemon zest, and grated parmesan cheese are tasty additions to the panko topping.
• Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. You can even make your own from gluten-free bread.

Tips

• It is essential to start with the freshest fish possible. If buying from a store, look out for any discoloration or an unpleasant smell before purchasing. To check if your fish is fresh, press down gently on the flesh— it should bounce back quickly.
• Season the fillets with salt and pepper before adding the panko crumbs to your cod fillets. This will bring out more of the natural flavor of the fish.
• Avoid overcooking the cod— cook until just done! To test doneness, poke gently into the center of the fillet with a fork. When the fish flakes easily and looks opaque throughout, it is ready to take out of the oven.

Serving suggestions

The baked fish can be served with tartar sauce and lemon wedges. To make this meal more filling, serve the cod with steamed vegetables and rice or potatoes. To add an extra layer of crunch, top off each serving with crushed nuts like almonds or hazelnuts before baking.

A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing can be an excellent accompaniment. The crisp and crunchy texture of the panko crusted fish pairs nicely with the freshness of the greens in the salad. Adding some citrus fruit to the recipe helps cut through any richness from the fish and adds a nice balance of flavors.

Another great option is roasted vegetables. Roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts are both delicious sides that go wonderfully with this dish and bring out its flavor even more. A drizzle of olive oil on top will help enhance their flavor even further, bringing out all its natural aroma and taste notes.

Adding boiled potatoes is never wrong when serving this cod dish! Boiling them in salted water before mashing them allows for plenty of seasoning options that pair perfectly with cod— think garlic butter, chives, or parsley, for example! Mashed potatoes create a creamy comfort food effect alongside your meal that no one can resist!

Storage

Storing leftover panko crusted fish is easy and safe. To ensure the fish stays fresh, start by wrapping the cooked fish in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. This will keep it from drying out and will also help to preserve its flavor.

Once wrapped, place the fish in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer than that, you can freeze the fish for up to two months. When reheating frozen fish, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before cooking it again.

FAQ

Related Recipes

Try these other recipes if you're looking for more fish dinners for one or two.

• Lemon butter fish is deliciously tender and flavorful
• Salmon salad is a quick and easy lunch idea.
• Sheet pan salmon with asparagus is perfect for busy weeknights.

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