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Crispy Garlic Butter Baked Cod Recipe with Golden Breadcrumbs Easy and Perfect

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A quick and easy baked cod recipe featuring a crispy garlic butter and golden breadcrumb topping that delivers a crunchy texture and tender flaky fish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound cod fillets (fresh or thawed; firm, skinless recommended)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for drizzling or greasing)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
  3. Melt the butter gently in a small microwave-safe bowl or saucepan. Stir in the minced garlic and let it sit for a minute to infuse the flavor.
  4. Pat dry the cod fillets with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  5. Place the cod fillets in the greased baking dish, spaced evenly.
  6. Brush each fillet generously with the garlic butter mixture, reserving a little for drizzling later.
  7. Press the breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the top of each fillet, making sure it sticks well.
  8. Drizzle a bit more garlic butter over the breadcrumb topping to encourage browning.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, depending on thickness, until breadcrumbs are golden brown and fish flakes easily with a fork.
  10. Optional: For an extra crispy finish, switch the oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes—watch carefully to avoid burning.
  11. Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Patting the fish dry is essential to keep the breadcrumb topping crispy. For gluten-free, substitute panko with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond meal. For dairy-free, replace butter with olive oil or vegan butter. Optional broil step adds extra crispiness but watch closely to prevent burning.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked cod, garlic butter cod, crispy cod, panko breadcrumbs, easy fish recipe, quick dinner, healthy seafood

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