Baked Cod with Garlic-Parsley Crust and Lemon Zest
Light cod fillets topped with a vibrant garlic and parsley crust, baked to flaky perfection with a bright lemon zest finish. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs (5 oz each) cod fillets, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 270 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.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces (5 oz each) cod fillets
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tsp lemon zest
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Pat dry 4 cod fillets and season evenly with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Place fillets on a lined baking sheet.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, combine 4 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley, 2 tsp lemon zest, 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs, and 3 tbsp olive oil. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated and fragrant.
- Step 3: Press the garlic-parsley breadcrumb mixture firmly on top of each cod fillet to create a crust. Drizzle 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice evenly over all fillets.
- Step 4: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden and the fish flakes easily with a fork. Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges if desired.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Baked Cod with Garlic-Parsley Crust and Lemon Zest take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Zest?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (5 oz each) cod fillets from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Cod with Garlic-Parsley Crust and Lemon Zest?
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 Zest 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 Zest?
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.
