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Boston Baked Cod Recipe

Boston Baked Cod Recipe

5.1 from 5 reviews

Boston Baked Cod is a flavorful and easy-to-make seafood dish featuring tender cod fillets topped with a zesty, buttery panko breadcrumb crust. This recipe highlights fresh lemon, garlic, and parsley for a bright and savory finish, perfect for a healthy dinner option that bakes quickly in the oven.

Ingredients

Scale

Fish and Seasoning

  • 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. Prepare the oven and dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and generously butter a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent the cod from sticking and to add flavor.
  2. Season the cod: Pat the cod fillets completely dry with paper towels to help the topping adhere better. Season both sides of the fillets evenly with salt and black pepper.
  3. Arrange the fillets: Place the cod fillets in the prepared baking dish, keeping space between each piece to ensure even cooking.
  4. Melt the butter: Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan over medium heat until it begins to foam, which usually takes about 2 minutes. This helps the butter to fully infuse the breadcrumbs off the heat.
  5. Make the breadcrumb topping: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the panko breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, garlic powder, and lemon zest until the mixture resembles wet sand, creating a flavorful and moist crumb.
  6. Top the fillets: Evenly divide the breadcrumb mixture over each cod fillet, pressing gently so it adheres well and forms a crust during baking.
  7. Add the finishing touches: Drizzle the fresh lemon juice and olive oil over the breadcrumb-topped fillets, which adds brightness and helps with browning during baking.
  8. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, and the topping is golden brown and crisp.

Notes

  • Use fresh cod fillets for the best texture and flavor.
  • Patting the fish dry is crucial for a crispy breadcrumb topping.
  • The panko breadcrumb topping can be customized with additional herbs like thyme or dill if desired.
  • If lemon zest or fresh parsley is unavailable, dried alternatives can be used but fresh ingredients offer better flavor.
  • Baking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the fillets.
  • This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or a light salad for a complete meal.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days but are best enjoyed fresh.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked cod, Boston baked cod, fish recipe, seafood dinner, panko crust, lemon garlic cod, healthy cod recipe, easy baked fish