Baked Cod with Herb-Citrus Crust and Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
Tender cod fillets baked under a zesty herb and citrus crust, served alongside sweet roasted cherry tomatoes. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes pairs (5 oz each) cod fillets, lemon zest, finely chopped fresh parsley 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.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces (5 oz each) cod fillets
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 3 tbsp, finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 3 tbsp, divided olive oil
- 2 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 pint (about 2 cups) cherry tomatoes
- 1 tsp, divided salt
- 1/2 tsp, divided black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Toss 1 pint cherry tomatoes with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Spread in a single layer on one side of the baking sheet.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs, 1 tbsp lemon zest, 3 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley, and 1 minced garlic clove. Drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil and mix until crumbly but moist.
- Step 3: Pat dry 4 cod fillets (5 oz each) and season both sides with remaining 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Place fillets on the empty side of the baking sheet.
- Step 4: Press the herb-citrus breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of each cod fillet, gently pressing to adhere.
- Step 5: Drizzle remaining 1 tbsp olive oil over the breadcrumb crusts. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until the fish flakes easily with a fork and the crust is golden.
- Step 6: Remove from oven and serve cod fillets alongside the roasted cherry tomatoes for a bright, fresh meal.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Baked Cod with Herb-Citrus Crust and Roasted Cherry Tomatoes 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 Herb-Citrus Crust and Roasted Cherry Tomatoes?
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 Herb-Citrus Crust and Roasted Cherry Tomatoes?
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 Roasted Cherry Tomatoes 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 Roasted Cherry Tomatoes?
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.