Baked Cod with Garlic-Parsley Crust and Lemon Butter

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Flaky cod fillets baked under a garlic and parsley crust, finished with a drizzle of bright lemon butter sauce for a delicate seafood entrée. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes pairs cod fillets, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat 4 cod fillets dry and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: In a bowl, mix 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley, and 3 minced garlic cloves. Stir in 3 tbsp olive oil until crumbs are evenly coated.
  3. Step 3: Place cod fillets on a lined baking sheet. Press the breadcrumb mixture evenly on top of each fillet to form a crust.
  4. Step 4: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until the cod flakes easily with a fork and the crust is golden brown.
  5. Step 5: Meanwhile, melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Remove from heat and stir in 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 1 tsp lemon zest.
  6. Step 6: Drizzle the lemon butter sauce over the baked cod just before serving for a bright finish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Cod with Garlic-Parsley Crust and Lemon Butter take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Baked Cod with Garlic-Parsley Crust and Lemon Butter?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Cod with Garlic-Parsley Crust and Lemon Butter?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Baked Cod with Garlic-Parsley Crust and Lemon Butter for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Baked Cod with Garlic-Parsley Crust and Lemon Butter?

Mediterranean seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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