Description
Seafood enthusiasts will adore this crispy panko baked cod recipe that brings restaurant-quality flavor directly to home kitchens. Golden-brown panko crusting ensures delightful texture while keeping fish perfectly moist and flaky for a delectable meal you can easily prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces / 170 grams each)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or melted butter)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish and Serving:
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Lemon wedges (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the culinary workspace by positioning an oven rack in the middle position and heating to 400F (200C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or apply a light coating of cooking spray.
- Using paper towels, thoroughly blot cod fillets to eliminate excess moisture. Season both surfaces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, ensuring even coverage.
- Create a crisp coating mixture by combining panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, paprika, and olive oil in a shallow dish. Thoroughly blend ingredients until breadcrumbs are uniformly moistened.
- Carefully press each cod fillet into the seasoned panko mixture, rotating to achieve complete and consistent coverage. Gently pack breadcrumbs onto the fish surface to maximize adhesion.
- Arrange coated fillets on the prepared baking sheet, maintaining space between pieces for optimal heat circulation. Bake for 12-15 minutes until fish becomes translucent, flakes easily with a fork, and breadcrumbs transform into a golden, crunchy exterior.
- Transfer baked cod to serving plates, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and accompany with lemon wedges for an optional bright, citrusy accent.
Notes
- Moisture Management: Pat cod fillets completely dry to achieve maximum crispiness and prevent soggy breading.
- Seasoning Strategy: Layer flavors by using both dry spices on fish and mixed seasonings in panko coating for deeper taste profile.
- Coating Technique: Press panko mixture firmly onto fish to create a thick, even crust that locks in moisture and delivers extra crunch.
- Dietary Adaptations: Swap regular panko for gluten-free breadcrumbs to make recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for dairy-free version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg