If you happen to’re in search of a quick, flavorful dinner that feels slightly fancy with out the additional effort, this straightforward lemon baked cod is it. The fillets bake up flaky with a lemon, buttery crust loaded with garlic and Parmesan. It’s the sort of dinner that makes you’re feeling such as you ordered one thing particular at a restaurant, however it solely takes quarter-hour begin to end.
Searching for less difficult fish recipes? Attempt our Easy Air Fryer Salmon.

Why My Recipe
- Flaky cod with a flavorful garlic parmesan crust.
- Fast and straightforward dinner—prepared in solely quarter-hour!
- Full the meal with rice and a veggie or a inexperienced salad.


It’s straightforward to show this dish into an entire meal and might be served over rice together with your favourite veggie on the facet, or maintain it mild and serve it with a easy, contemporary inexperienced salad. It’s a straightforward strategy to get dinner on the desk rapidly and it’s good for you too!
Ingredient Notes


- Cod Fish: Search for 6-ounce parts of contemporary or thawed cod. If utilizing frozen, thaw utterly and pat dry to take away extra moisture.
- Butter: Be sure that it’s softened since you’ll be mixing it with different substances. Salted or unsalted is okay.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is what you need for the most effective soften and taste.
- All-Goal Flour: Helps create a barely thick, spreadable crust.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic supplies the most effective taste, however jarred works too.
- Dried Basil: Provides a refined herbaceous observe. Italian seasoning might be used as an alternative for a distinct taste twist.
- Onion Powder: Provides depth to the butter combination. Don’t substitute with contemporary onion—it received’t mix as effectively.
- Dijon Mustard: Provides slightly tang and complexity. Yellow mustard can be utilized if wanted, however Dijon is most popular.
- Lemon Juice: Contemporary is greatest for taste, however you can too use bottled.
- Contemporary Parsley (non-compulsory): Provides a pop of colour and contemporary, herby taste.
- Lemon (non-compulsory): Thinly slice and use to garnish if you wish to make it fairly.
Shopping for Cod
If you head to the shop to purchase your cod, search for agency, white fillets with a gentle scent. Keep away from items that look uninteresting or have a powerful fishy odor. Fish shouldn’t scent fishy if it’s good.
If you happen to’re utilizing frozen cod, ensure to thaw it utterly within the fridge in a single day or underneath chilly working water. Pat it dry earlier than baking to assist the crust stick higher and guarantee even cooking.
Utilizing Different Fish
This lemon-butter topping is scrumptious on different fish as effectively. Simply control cook dinner time: tilapia’s thinner and desires much less time (suppose shave off a pair minutes), whereas thick cuts like halibut might have just a few further to get flaky and opaque during.


Know When It’s Achieved
When your cod goes from see-through and glossy to stable white and begins flaking, it’s accomplished. The interior temperature ought to attain 145°F (63°C) should you’re utilizing a thermometer. Watch out to not overcook it. Cod is a lean fish and dries out rapidly if left within the oven too lengthy.
Serving Recommendations
Rice and Veggies: Merely pair with a facet of white or brown steamed rice and a inexperienced veggie (we love asparagus or green beans) for an entire meal.
Tacos: Slice it up and throw it in a taco. Add toppings like cabbage, bitter cream, guacamole, and a few sliced or pickled jalapeños.
Salad or Wrap: Repurpose these leftovers and use in a salad or lettuce wrap.
Storage & Reheating
Fish is greatest eaten contemporary. To save lots of any leftovers, enable the fish to chill to room temperature earlier than inserting in an hermetic container within the fridge for as much as 3 days.
Microwave on excessive in 30-second increments, till warmed via.