• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Little Bit Recipes
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Resources
  • Recipes
  • Subscribe
  • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Resources
    • Recipes
    • Subscribe
    • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home / Recipes / Dinners

    Baked Panko Crusted Cod Fish

    By Lisa MarcAurele · Feb 24, 2023 · This post may contain affiliate links. See our disclosures.

    Jump to Recipe
    panko crusted baked cod with text.
    panko crusted baked cod with text.

    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 crusted cod fish on serving plate with green beans and lemon wedge.

    Want to save this post?

    Enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox. Plus, I'll send you the latest recipes and tips every week!

    Loading

    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.

    Ingredients for the panko fish recipe.

    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!

    Seasoned cod fillets with lemon on tray.

    Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels, then season with salt, black pepper, and lemon juice.

    Breadcrumb mixture.

    Mix the panko breadcrumbs with oregano, fresh parsley, and melted butter.

    Cod fillets coated on parchment paper lined sheet pan.

    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.
    Panko fish with lemon and green beans.

    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

    What is panko fish made of?

    It is a popular Japanese dish with white fish coated in panko breadcrumbs. The fish is then deep-fried until it is golden and crispy.

    What temperature should cod be cooked at?

    Cod should be cooked at a temperature of 145°F (63°C).

    Do you flip cod when baking?

    Generally speaking, it's not necessary to flip cod when baking. Cod is a delicate fish and can easily become dry or overcooked if flipped during baking.

    flaked piece of breaded fish on plate.

    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.

    Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest to see more recipes.

    Eat at Home and Save!

    Sign up to get recipes and tips to make cooking for one or two easy. You'll also have access to money saving deals and offers.

    Recipe

    panko crusted cod fish on serving plate with green beans and lemon wedge.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Review Recipe

    Panko Crusted Cod

    4.98 from 45 votes
    An easy dinner idea for busy weeknights is delicious panko crusted cod. Enjoy the crunchy texture and flavor of this easy-to-make baked fish!
    Prep Time5 minutes mins
    Cook Time14 minutes mins
    Total Time19 minutes mins
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Servings (Adjustable): 2
    Calories: 279kcal
    Share on Facebook Share on X
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    • 2 cod fillets 6 ounces each
    • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
    • Salt and black pepper to taste
    • ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
    • 1 teaspoon oregano
    • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
    • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
    • 2 lemon wedges for serving

    Instructions

    • Preheat the oven to 425°F.
    • Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels then season with salt, black pepper and lemon juice.
    • Mix the panko breadcrumbs with oregano, fresh parsley and melted butter.
    • Place the cod fillets into a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
    • 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 crispy and the fish is cooked through with an internal temperature of 145ºF.
    • Serve with lemon wedges, cooked vegetables or salad.

    Notes

    • 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.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 279kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 103mg | Sodium: 150mg | Potassium: 772mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 608IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 68mg | Iron: 2mg

    © LittleBitRecipes.com - All content and photographs are copyright protected by us. We appreciate sharing our recipes; but copying, pasting, or duplicating full recipes to any social media, website, or electronic/printed media is strictly prohibited and a violation of our copyrights. Single photos may be used, provided that full credit is given to us along with a link back to the original content.

    More Dinner Recipes for One or Two

    • A plate with grilled chicken topped with sauce and chopped green onions, white rice, and sliced tomatoes.
      Filipino Chicken Adobo
    • Grilled salmon fillet on a white plate, garnished with lemon slices and dill. A red-checkered cloth is partially visible beside the plate.
      Frozen Salmon in Air Fryer
    • A plate of cooked minced beef with green beans on rice. Another similar dish is in the background. There are soy sauce, garlic, and spices in small bowls nearby.
      Green Beans and Ground Beef
    • A bowl of stir-fried noodles with vegetables, topped with sesame seeds, and served with chopsticks on a brown textured napkin.
      Teriyaki Noodles

    About Lisa MarcAurele

    Lisa MarcAurele is a blogger and cookbook author. She created Little Bit Recipes to help people save money by minimizing leftovers when cooking for one or two people. Lisa is also a co-founder of Daily Life Travels, where you can discover new places to visit and things to do. You can sign up for her recipe emails to see all her latest content.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      4.98 from 45 votes (40 ratings without comment)

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




    1. Bella B

      February 24, 2023 at 3:42 pm

      5 stars
      We loved this recipe and will be making again. It was a quick dinner for a busy weeknight.

      Reply
    2. Jenn

      February 25, 2023 at 10:22 am

      5 stars
      I loved the crunch on these filets, and they were super easy to make!

      Reply
    3. Traci

      February 25, 2023 at 10:35 am

      5 stars
      Delicious recipe and I subbed gluten free Panko and it turned out amazing! Wonderful tender juicy fish!

      Reply
    4. Addison

      February 25, 2023 at 12:33 pm

      5 stars
      This fish was so flavorful! The breading gave it the perfect amount of crunch. Yum!

      Reply
    5. Jere Cassidy

      February 25, 2023 at 3:23 pm

      5 stars
      I am a terrible fish cook but this recipe came out great with the panko and baking the fish. Will be making again.

      Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    A woman in a green shirt stands in a kitchen holding a bowl of strawberries.

    Hi, I'm Lisa! I'm a cookbook author who has been creating recipes for over a decade. I'd like to show you how easy it is to downsize your cooking for one or two people.

    Read more →

    Popular

    • A bowl of brown rice with Hawaiian chicken on it.
      Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
    • edible cookie dough single serving for one.
      Edible Single Serving Cookie Dough
    • Sliced Italian artisan bread with buttered slice in front.
      No Knead Italian Artisan Bread
    • A sliced meatloaf on a white plate.
      Cracker Barrel Meatloaf (CopyCat)

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Cooking

    • Scaling Recipes
    • Mini Pie Pans
    • Stories

    Recipes

    • Breakfast
    • Dinner
    • Desserts

    About

    • About
    • Contact
    • Newsletter

    LittleBitRecipes.com makes money through affiliate partner links: If you click on a link, we may earn a commission. Our writers create all reviews, recipes, and other content to inform readers, with no influence from our advertisers. LittleBitRecipes.com may earn from qualifying purchased made on Amazon.com. Learn more about our privacy policies, terms of use, and disclosures.

    Copyright © 2025. Little Bit Recipes. All Rights Reserved.

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.