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Boston Baked Cod Recipe

Boston Baked Cod Recipe

5.2 from 14 reviews

Boston Baked Cod is a delicious and easy-to-make seafood dish featuring tender cod fillets topped with a flavorful, crunchy panko breadcrumb mixture infused with fresh lemon, parsley, and garlic. Baked to perfection, this dish offers a light yet satisfying meal perfect for weeknights or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Fish

  • 4 cod fillets (6 oz each), about 1 inch thick
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Butter for greasing dish

Topping

  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Zest of 1 lemon

Finishing

  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Generously butter a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and add flavor.
  2. Season the Cod: Pat the cod fillets completely dry using paper towels to ensure the topping adheres well. Season both sides of each fillet with salt and black pepper to taste.
  3. Arrange Fish in Dish: Place the seasoned cod fillets in the prepared baking dish, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.
  4. Melt Butter for Topping: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the 4 tablespoons of butter until it starts to foam, about 2 minutes. Removing from heat promptly prevents burning.
  5. Prepare Breadcrumb Mixture: Stir the panko breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, garlic powder, and lemon zest into the melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand, ensuring it is evenly combined.
  6. Top the Cod: Divide the breadcrumb mixture evenly over each fillet, pressing gently to help it adhere to the fish surface.
  7. Add Lemon Juice and Olive Oil: Drizzle the fresh lemon juice and olive oil evenly over the breadcrumb-topped fillets to add moisture and brighten the flavors.
  8. Bake the Fish: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and the breadcrumb topping turns golden brown.
  9. Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the baked cod rest for 2 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle and the fish to finish cooking gently.

Notes

  • Ensure the cod fillets are dry before seasoning to help the topping stick better.
  • Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the brightest flavor impact.
  • You can substitute panko breadcrumbs with crushed crackers or gluten-free breadcrumbs if desired.
  • Adjust cooking time if fillets are thicker or thinner than 1 inch to avoid over- or undercooking.
  • Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Nutrition

Keywords: Boston Baked Cod, baked fish recipe, cod fillets, panko breadcrumb topping, lemon parsley fish, easy seafood dinner