Baked Cod with Crispy Garlic Herb Panko Recipe

The moment you try this Baked Cod with Crispy Garlic Herb Panko, you’ll understand why it has become one of my go-to recipes whenever I want something both elegant and effortlessly delicious. The delicate, flaky cod fillets get topped with a golden, crunchy panko crust infused with garlic and fresh herbs, creating a perfect harmony of textures and vibrant flavor. This dish hits that sweet spot between simple and special, making it ideal for a busy weeknight or a cozy dinner with friends. Trust me, this is one recipe you’ll want to keep on hand for when you’re craving comfort with a bit of crunch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather a handful of simple yet essential ingredients that come together to build layers of flavor and texture in this dish. Each one plays a crucial role in balancing buttery richness, fresh herbs, and that irresistible crispy topping.

• Salted butter: Using salted butter adds depth and a bit of richness that complements both the fish and the crispy topping.
• Cod fillets: Tender, mild white fish that cooks beautifully and pairs perfectly with the crunchy panko.
• Lemon wedges: Fresh lemon juice adds brightness and acidity to balance the richness.
• Kosher salt: Provides clean seasoning to elevate the natural flavors of the cod and crust.
• Black pepper: Adds subtle spice without overpowering the delicate fish.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic infuses the melted butter, creating an aromatic base for the crunchy panko topping.
• Plain panko breadcrumbs: These light, airy crumbs create the signature crispiness of the crust.
• Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley adds a pop of herbal brightness and color to the topping.

How to Make Baked Cod with Crispy Garlic Herb Panko

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by setting your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s hot enough to achieve a perfectly golden crust on the cod. Next, generously butter a 9 x 13 inch baking dish. This keeps the fish from sticking and adds buttery flavor right from the start.

Step 2: Season the Cod

Place the cod fillets in the buttered dish and season each piece with fresh lemon juice, kosher salt, and black pepper. This simple seasoning is crucial as it highlights the delicate flavor of the fish and creates a tasty base for the crust.

Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Herb Panko

In a small sauté pan over medium-low heat, melt the remaining butter. As soon as the butter begins to foam, turn off the heat and add minced garlic. Allow the garlic to infuse into the butter for about a minute, releasing its warm, fragrant aroma without browning.

Step 4: Toast the Panko

Stir in the panko breadcrumbs, tossing gently until the crumbs absorb all the garlicky butter. Then, mix in the chopped fresh parsley and season with salt and pepper. This mixture will become the crispy topping that adds irresistible texture and flavor to your cod.

Step 5: Top and Press

Evenly spread the garlic herb panko over each cod fillet and press down lightly to ensure it adheres firmly. This step helps the crust brown evenly and stay crispy after baking.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cod for 12 to 15 minutes until the panko topping turns a beautiful golden brown and the fish flakes easily with a fork. For best results, use a digital thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit — this guarantees a juicy and perfectly cooked filet.

Step 7: Serve Fresh

Remove from the oven and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the top. The fresh lemon adds a zesty brightness that lifts the whole dish beautifully.

How to Serve Baked Cod with Crispy Garlic Herb Panko

Garnishes

Simple garnishes complement this dish wonderfully. Try additional chopped parsley for a fresh green touch or scatter a few thin lemon slices on top for a fragrant citrus note that guests can enjoy visually and flavor-wise.

Side Dishes

This Baked Cod with Crispy Garlic Herb Panko pairs beautifully with light and vibrant sides. Steamed asparagus, garlic roasted potatoes, or a crisp garden salad provide balance and keep the meal feeling bright and satisfying without overwhelming the delicate flavor of the fish.

Creative Ways to Present

For a bit of flair, plate each fillet on a bed of wilted spinach or drizzle a lemon butter sauce around the edges. You can also serve the cod atop creamy risotto or buttered couscous to turn this simple dinner into something a little more special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, store the cooked cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep in mind that the panko crust might soften over time but flavors will still be delicious.

Freezing

I recommend freezing only the raw, seasoned cod fillets without the panko topping if you want to prep ahead. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing for up to 1 month. Add the panko topping fresh before baking after thawing.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, gently warm the cod in a 350-degree oven for 8 to 10 minutes to preserve some of the crispy texture. Avoid the microwave if possible, since it can make the fish rubbery and the panko soggy.

FAQs

Can I use other types of fish for this recipe?

Absolutely! While cod is perfect due to its mild flavor and flaky texture, you can swap in haddock, halibut, or even pollock. Just adjust baking time depending on the thickness of the fillets to avoid overcooking.

How do I make the panko crust extra crispy?

Using plain panko and toasting it lightly in butter before baking helps achieve that fantastic crunch. Pressing the panko firmly onto the fish also ensures it stays intact during cooking.

Is it necessary to use fresh parsley?

Fresh parsley brightens the flavor and adds lovely color, but if you don’t have fresh, a teaspoon of dried parsley could work in a pinch. Just add less, as dried herbs tend to be more concentrated.

Can I prepare this recipe gluten-free?

You can easily make this dish gluten-free by swapping regular panko for gluten-free breadcrumbs. The baking and flavors remain just as wonderful, so no need to miss out on that crispy topping!

What can I do if I don’t have fresh garlic?

Fresh garlic really makes a difference here but if you’re out, a small amount of garlic powder can be used instead—mix it into the melted butter before adding the panko for that gentle garlicky flavor.

Final Thoughts

You really can’t go wrong with this Baked Cod with Crispy Garlic Herb Panko. It’s one of those dishes that feels indulgent and fresh at the same time, perfect for sharing or treating yourself. Once you try it, you’ll understand how something so simple can be packed with so much flavor and texture. Grab those ingredients, warm up your oven, and enjoy every crispy, buttery bite!

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