Baked Cod with Herb-Citrus Crust and Garlic Aioli

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

Tender cod fillets baked under a zesty herb and citrus crust, served alongside a creamy garlic aioli for dipping. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs cod fillets, panko breadcrumbs, lemon zest for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

★ 4.3 (12 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Pat dry 4 cod fillets (5 oz each) and season with 1 tsp kosher salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, combine 1 cup panko breadcrumbs, 1 tbsp lemon zest, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, and 2 tbsp olive oil. Mix until crumbs are evenly coated.
  3. Step 3: Brush each cod fillet lightly with 1 tbsp olive oil, then press the breadcrumb mixture evenly onto the top of each fillet to form a crust.
  4. Step 4: Bake the cod for 12-15 minutes, until the crust is golden and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
  5. Step 5: While the cod bakes, prepare garlic aioli by whisking together 1/3 cup mayonnaise, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and remaining 1 tbsp olive oil until smooth.
  6. Step 6: Serve the baked cod warm with a dollop of garlic aioli on the side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Cod with Herb-Citrus Crust and Garlic Aioli 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 Herb-Citrus Crust and Garlic Aioli?

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 Herb-Citrus Crust and Garlic Aioli?

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 Herb-Citrus Crust and Garlic Aioli 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 Herb-Citrus Crust and Garlic Aioli?

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.

What others are saying

Related recipes