Why You’ll Love This Baked Breaded Cod Recipe
If you’re looking for a quick, delicious dinner, you’ll love this Baked Breaded Cod recipe. It’s packed with flavor and takes just minutes to prepare.
I appreciate how the crispy breadcrumb topping contrasts beautifully with the tender, flaky fish. Plus, it’s healthy enough to enjoy without guilt!
The combination of mayonnaise and parmesan creates a rich, savory coating that keeps the cod moist while baking. I can whip this up on a busy weeknight, and my family always devours it.
Serve it with a wedge of lemon, and you’ve got a meal that’s both simple and satisfying!
Ingredients of Baked Breaded Cod
When it comes to whipping up a delicious meal, having the right ingredients is half the battle. For this Baked Breaded Cod recipe, you’ll want to gather a few simple items that you might even have lying around your kitchen.
Trust me, once you see how easy it’s to prepare and how little time it takes, you’ll be adding this dish to your weekly rotation. Plus, the combination of flavors is simply divine. So, let’s plunge into what you’ll need to make this scrumptious dish.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (light works just fine)
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon anchovy paste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup fresh breadcrumbs
- 3 tablespoons flat-leaf parsley, chopped
- 4 cod fish fillets
- Lemon wedges for serving
Now, let’s chat about these ingredients for a second. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s pretty forgiving.
Don’t have fresh breadcrumbs? No problem; you can use store-bought or even make your own from stale bread. Just toss it in a food processor and voilà!
If anchovy paste sounds a bit intimidating, worry not. It adds a salty, umami punch but won’t make your fish taste like a fish market.
And hey, if you’re not a fan of parsley, swap it out for another fresh herb like basil or dill. Cooking should be fun, not a chore, right?
How to Make Baked Breaded Cod
Alright, let’s explore how to make this fabulous Baked Breaded Cod. First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to a sizzling 450°F. While that’s firing up, grab a jelly-roll pan and give it a good spray with some nonstick vegetable cooking spray. This is essential, folks. We don’t want our lovely cod fillets to cling to the pan like a toddler to their favorite toy.
Now, in a mixing bowl, combine 1/4 cup of mayonnaise (light is totally fine if you’re watching those calories), 2 tablespoons of grated parmesan cheese, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of anchovy paste, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Whisk it all together until it’s creamy and smooth. You’ll be surprised at how these ingredients come together—seriously, it’s like a flavor party in there.
Once that’s done, grab another bowl and mix together 1/2 cup of fresh breadcrumbs with 3 tablespoons of chopped flat-leaf parsley. The breadcrumbs add that delightful crunch, while the parsley gives it a fresh pop.
Now, it’s time to bring it all together. Take your 4 cod fish fillets and spoon a generous amount of that creamy mayonnaise mixture onto one side. Don’t be shy; coat it well. Then, dip that coated side into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to make sure it sticks.
Place the fish on your prepared pan with the crumb side facing up. Now, just slide that into the oven and let it bake for about 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the fish is cooked through and the breadcrumbs are a beautiful golden brown.
Serve it up with some lemon wedges on the side for that extra zing. And voilà, your Baked Breaded Cod is ready to impress! It’s easy, it’s delicious, and honestly, it might just become your new go-to dinner. Enjoy!
Baked Breaded Cod Substitutions & Variations
While the classic Baked Breaded Cod recipe is a winner on its own, there are plenty of substitutions and variations to keep things interesting.
For a lighter option, try Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. You can also switch up the cheese—Parmesan works great, but I love using feta for a tangy twist.
If you’re feeling adventurous, add some spices like smoked paprika or garlic powder to the breadcrumb mixture.
For a gluten-free version, use crushed rice cereal or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Feel free to experiment with different herbs, like dill or cilantro, to personalize your dish!
Additional Tips & Notes
To guarantee your Baked Breaded Cod turns out perfectly, it’s important to pay attention to a few key details.
First, make sure your cod fillets are fresh and thawed completely if frozen; this guarantees even cooking.
Don’t skip the step of spraying the pan; it prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
For a crispy texture, bake until the breadcrumbs turn golden brown.
If you like a bit of heat, add some cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture.
Finally, serve with a wedge of lemon; the acidity brightens the dish and enhances the flavors.
Enjoy your delicious cod!