Baked Parmesan Crusted Cod

Name: Baked Parmesan Crusted Cod
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 3 cod filets; 1 large egg; 1/2 cup Parmesan (, grated); 2 tbsp breadcrumbs; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes; 1 tsp paprika; 1 Lemon (, for serving); 1 tsp parsley (, for garnishing)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Every seafood lover should try Baked Parmesan Crusted Cod at least once in their life. And that is not even very hard to do! The reason? The ingredients are readily available, and the dish is effortless and quick to make!

And the best part is that this recipe has a high protein content and very low carbs and fats – eating healthy has never been tastier! Moreover, the cod does not even have a “fishy” taste to it. So you don’t even have to worry about a seafood hater.

Best Parmesan Crusted Cod

The tender and mild-flavoured cod, baked and seasoned with spices, serves as a delightful and filling meal for dinners – important and non-important alike! The delicate sweetness of the codfish is enhanced by the seasoning of spices and complemented by the fruity and nutty goodness of grated Parmesan cheese. Squeezing a wedge of lemon on top just adds to the intricacies of the flavour, thanks to its refreshing citrus zest.

The Portuguese first started fishing for codfish way back in the 15th century! Since then, it has become more or less a staple in fish-eating households. Parmesan cheese, on the other hand, is even older. Invented accidentally when looking for a solution to increase the shelf life of milk, it quickly rose to rule people’s hearts.

And what happens when you combine two ingredients that are so delicious and well-loved? Well, you get the heavenliness that is Baked Parmesan Crusted Cod!

a plate full of rice and one piece of Parmesan Crusted Cod

Why Does This Recipe Work?

Baked Parmesan Crusted Cod is a recipe with low fat and carbohydrate content. Thus, it makes for sumptuous diet food.
The dish can be prepared in as less time as 20-25 minutes. Making a filling main course for dinner has never been so easy and quick!
Baked Parmesan Crusted Cod does not have a “fishy” taste. Thus, even people who don’t like seafood may end up liking the dish.
All the ingredients are pretty easy to source.

What Is In This Baked Parmesan Crusted Cod Recipe?

Cod filets. Cod fillets are the base ingredients of this recipe. The mild taste of this extremely healthy fish will be enhanced by the other ingredients.

Egg. An egg coating will not only impart its flavour to the fish but also increase the protein content of the dish.

Parmesan cheese. Adding grated Parmesan cheese to the dish will add a nutty and salty cheese-filled delight.

Breadcrumbs. For a crispier exterior, coat the cod with breadcrumbs in addition to the Parmesan Cheese.

Onion powder, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and paprika. Since the cod in itself has a mild taste, a seasoning of these spices is to be used to add an intense burst of flavours to the dish.

Parsley. Garnish the Baked Parmesan Crusted Cod with parsley for appealing visuals and flavour.

Lemon, for serving. The citrus zest of lemon, apart from imparting its own distinct flavour to the Baked Parmesan Crusted Cod, will milden the hotness of the spices a bit.

How To Make Baked Parmesan Crusted Cod?

Preheat your oven to 220 C, and grease a baking sheet with oil.

In a bowl, mix parmesan cheese and bread crumbs.

dip each slice first in the egg then in the cheese mixture

In another dish, crack the egg, add onion powder, garlic powder, red pepper flakes and paprika, whisk using combined.

Now, dip each cod filet first in the egg (shake any excess egg) and then in the parmesan cheese mixture (make sure to coat it well on both sides).

Put the cod fillets on the baking sheet.

Bake for 20-30 minutes or until fish is easily flaked with a fork.

Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately alongside lemon wedges and your favourite sauces.

Top Tips!

Use fresh cod, if possible, for a tastier experience.
Cooking and overcooking fish have a very thin line between them. Thus, preferably use a meat thermometer to ensure that the fish does not touch 145 degrees internal temperature get overcooked.
Wild cod is richer in nutrients than farmed codfish. So it will be better if you can get your hands on a wild cod.
Do not add too much salt to the cod since Parmesan Cheese is already pretty salty.
When reheating the dish, it is better to avoid microwaving it.
Reheat the fish only until warm. Otherwise, you may end up overcooking it.
Thaw the cod completely if you are using frozen fish.

Some Variations

The Parmesan Crust tastes delicious with any white fish. Thus, you can substitute cod with sole, halibut, haddock, tilapia, or any other favourite fish of yours.
For all the haters of seafood: this recipe works with chicken too!
You can use olive oil or avocado oil spray to coat the fish. This will add a nuanced flavour to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Baked Parmesan Crusted Cod pairs well with any healthy meal options like roasted vegetables.
The dish can also be served alongside brown rice or quinoa.
Baked Parmesan Crusted Cod on top of a green salad is a heavenly combination.
Squeeze lemon on top of the baked fish. You will not regret it!
Apart from the ones mentioned in the recipe, top with your favourite seasoning – be it onion powder, dried basil, or anything else that your tastebuds love.
Soups make ideal side dishes to complement this dish.
Garlic green beans and roasted potatoes are excellent side dishes for this recipe.
You can also serve the Baked Parmesan Crusted Cod with dipping sauces like tartar, honey mustard, ketchup, or mayonnaise.

Recipe FAQs

Can I store the leftover cod?

Yes, you can keep the leftover fish in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to four days. You can also freeze it for up to an entire month in a freezer-safe container. However, this may change the texture of the fish.

How do I know if the fish is cooked?

For checking if the fish is ready, you can go for the good-ol’ “fork method”! Pierce the fish with your fork, and twist it a little. If the cod is cooked, it will flake apart and no longer appear translucent. It is recommended that you use a meat thermometer because fish overcook fairly quickly. As soon as the temperature of the meat is within the 140-145 degrees range, pull out your fish from the oven.

How do I reheat the cod?

Reheating the cod in a toaster oven for around 10 minutes is the best. You can also use a regular oven instead. You can also reheat the dish by broiling it in the oven for a few minutes. However, avoid microwaving it if possible. Make sure that you reheat it only until its warm. Otherwise, you may end up overcooking the fish.

Recipes you may like

Print Pin

5 from 5 votes