Growing up, I always thought fish was complicated to cook at home. My early attempts usually ended up dry and tasteless, so I stuck to ordering it at restaurants. It wasn’t until my doctor suggested adding more fish to my diet (and cutting back on gluten) that I finally decided to give it another shot. Turns out, I was just overthinking it the whole time.
That’s when I discovered this simple baked cod recipe. No fancy techniques or special equipment needed – just a few basic ingredients and an oven. Since cod is such a mild fish, it’s perfect for those who aren’t big seafood fans, and the gluten-free coating gives it just the right amount of crunch without any wheat flour.
Ingredient Substitutions
Parmesan cheese can be replaced with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free, vegan option that maintains a savory, cheesy flavor. Use about half the amount of nutritional yeast as Parmesan. For a low-carb alternative, consider using ground almonds or almond flour, which will add a nutty flavor and crispy texture. Cod fillets can be substituted with other white fish like haddock, pollock, or halibut, maintaining a similar mild flavor and flaky texture. Cook times may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the fillets. Butter can be replaced with olive oil or coconut oil for a dairy-free version. Use the same amount of oil as butter called for in the recipe. These alternatives preserve the dish’s overall flavor profile while accommodating various dietary needs.
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 15-20 minutes |
| Total Time | 25-35 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 800-950
- Protein: 85-95 g
- Fat: 50-60 g
- Carbohydrates: 5-10 g
Ingredients
- 1/2 lemon, zested and juiced (for brightness and acidity)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 1/4 tsp paprika (Hungarian paprika for a richer flavor)
- 3 tbsp salted butter (I like Kerrygold salted butter)
- 1 1/2 lbs cod fillets
- 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (freshly grated for best flavor)
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.
Grease a rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
On a dinner plate, place the grated Parmesan cheese and add garlic powder and paprika.
Wash the lemon and pat it dry.
Using a zester or grater, zest one half of the lemon, adding the zest to the cheese mixture.
Step 2: Prepare Fresh Herbs
Rinse the parsley thoroughly and pat it dry with paper towels.
Use scissors or a knife to chop the parsley, then add it to the cheese mixture.
Toss the mixture together with a fork to ensure the cheese and seasonings are evenly distributed.
Step 3: Prepare the Fish
Rinse the fish fillets under cold running water and carefully rub your thumbs along their surfaces to check for any bones.
Pat them dry with paper towels.
Melt the butter in a small pan on the stove or in a microwave-safe bowl.
Set up an assembly line starting with the fish, followed by the melted butter, cheese mixture, and finally the prepared baking sheet.
Step 4: Coat and Bake the Fish
Using a fork, dip each piece of fish in the melted butter, ensuring both sides are well-coated.
Next, dip the buttered fish into the cheese mixture, pressing down with the fork to coat both sides completely with the mixture.
Place each coated piece of fish onto the prepared baking sheet.
Pour any remaining melted butter over the fish.
Bake in the oven for about 15 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the fish is baked, remove it from the oven and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top.
Serve your garlic butter Parmesan crusted cod with bread for dipping, or spoon the butter over rice, mashed potatoes, or polenta.
For an informal dinner, you can place the baking sheet directly on the table.
Store any leftover cod in the refrigerator for up to three days.
