Baked Lemon-Garlic Cod with Herb Parmesan Crust
Tender cod fillets baked under a crisp crust of Parmesan, garlic, and fresh herbs, finished with a bright squeeze of lemon. 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 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 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme leaves
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat 4 cod fillets dry and season both sides evenly with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, combine 1 tsp lemon zest, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme, and 2 tbsp olive oil to form a crumbly herb crust.
- Step 3: Place cod fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Press the Parmesan-herb mixture evenly onto the top of each fillet.
- Step 4: Bake the cod for 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Step 5: Remove from oven and drizzle each fillet with 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice before serving for a bright finish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Baked Lemon-Garlic Cod with Herb Parmesan Crust 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 Lemon-Garlic Cod with Herb Parmesan Crust?
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 Lemon-Garlic Cod with Herb Parmesan Crust?
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 Lemon-Garlic Cod with Herb Parmesan Crust 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 Lemon-Garlic Cod with Herb Parmesan Crust?
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.
