My Easy Baked Cod Recipe
This baked cod recipe is my go-to for a quick fish dinner. It feels fancy but is so simple. You just pat a lovely lemon herb crumb on top. The oven does all the hard work for you.
It makes a healthy cod dinner that still feels special. I love meals like that. Do you have a “fancy but easy” dish you make for guests?
The Magic of a Good Crumb
That lemon herb crumb is the star. Fresh breadcrumbs, herbs, and lemon zest make it sing. You pat it right onto the cod loin. It sticks and turns golden in the oven.
This matters because texture is everything. Soft fish needs a little crunch. *Fun fact: The oil in the crumbs helps them crisp up without burning.* Doesn’t that smell amazing when it bakes?
A Little Story About Sides
I always serve this cod with breadcrumbs with potatoes and kale. My grandson used to push the kale aside. One night, I mixed it with the buttery potatoes.
He ate it all up! I still laugh at that. Sometimes, a small change makes all the difference. What’s a veggie trick that works in your house?
Why This Dinner For Two Works
This is a perfect dinner for two. Everything cooks at once. The fish bakes while the pots boil. In about 15 minutes, you have a complete meal.
This matters on busy nights. Good food shouldn’t take hours. This herb crusted cod proves it. Would you try the truffle mayo recipe with it? It’s a fun, creamy finish.
Your Simple Supper Plan
Just follow the steps. Heat your oven. Make the crumb and pat it on. Bake your easy baked cod until it flakes. Boil the pots and kale together.
Finish with a dollop of that mayo. It’s a no-stress plan. Tell me, what’s your favorite weeknight fish to cook? I’m always looking for new ideas.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cod loin | 2 x 200g pieces | |
| Fresh breadcrumbs | 50g | |
| Parsley and tarragon | 3 tbsp, chopped | |
| Lemon zest | from 1 lemon | |
| Olive oil | 2 tsp | |
| Kale | 100g | Roughly chopped, tough stalks removed |
| New potatoes | 150g | |
| Butter | A knob | |
| Heinz Seriously Good Truffle Mayo | To serve |
Instructions
Step 1: First, get your oven nice and hot. Set it to 200°C. This easy baked cod recipe starts with a warm kitchen. I always preheat my pan, too. It helps the fish cook evenly.
Step 2: Now, make your lemon herb crumb. Mix breadcrumbs, herbs, zest, and oil. Pat this onto your cod loins. Press gently so it sticks. (A hard-learned tip: dry your fish first for the best crust!).
Step 3: Bake your cod with breadcrumbs for 10-15 minutes. It’s done when it flakes easily. Doesn’t that smell amazing? This healthy cod dinner is so simple. What’s your favorite herb for fish? Share below!
Step 4: While the fish bakes, boil your potatoes. Add the kale near the end. Drain it all and add a knob of butter. I still laugh at how my grandkids love kale this way.
Step 5: Serve your herb crusted cod right away. Add a dollop of that truffle mayo. This quick fish dinner for two is ready. It feels like a fancy restaurant meal at home.
Creative Twists
Swap the herbs for dill and a little orange zest. Use panko breadcrumbs for an extra-crunchy topping. Mix the truffle mayo with lemon juice for a zingy sauce. Which one would you try first? Comment below!
Serving & Pairing Ideas
For a bright side, try roasted cherry tomatoes. They pop in your mouth! Creamy mashed potatoes also love this cod loin recipe. A simple green salad works for a lighter meal. Which would you choose tonight?
Keeping Your Cod Cozy for Later
Let’s talk about storing your lovely baked cod. First, let it cool completely. Then, wrap it tight or put it in a sealed container. It will keep in the fridge for two days. You can freeze it for one month. Wrap it well to avoid freezer burn.
I remember my first time freezing fish. I didn’t wrap it tight enough. It tasted like my freezer ice cubes! Now I use two layers of wrap. This keeps the flavor fresh and happy.
Reheat it gently in the oven. Cover it with foil so it doesn’t dry out. Batch cooking this easy baked cod saves busy nights. Having a healthy cod dinner ready is a gift to your future self. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!
Little Fixes for Common Kitchen Hiccups
We all face small problems when cooking. Here are three easy fixes. First, breadcrumbs won’t stick? Pat the fish very dry first. A damp fish makes crumbs slide right off.
Second, worried about dry fish? Do not overcook it. Check it at ten minutes. It should flake easily. I once baked it too long. It was tough like shoe leather! Cooking it just right matters for tender, juicy bites.
Third, soggy potatoes? Drain them well after boiling. Let them steam dry in the colander for a minute. This helps the butter coat them nicely. These fixes build your cooking confidence. They also make the lemon herb crumb flavor shine. Which of these problems have you run into before?
Your Quick Questions, Answered
What is the best way to get a crispy crust on baked cod?
Pat your cod loin very dry before adding the crumbs. Use fresh, not stale, breadcrumbs. Mix them with a little oil. Press the mixture down firmly on the fish. Bake on a lined sheet. This herb crusted cod gets perfectly crispy. The high heat of your oven is key for that golden finish.
Can I use frozen cod for lemon butter cod?
Yes, you can use frozen cod. Thaw it completely in the fridge first. This takes several hours. Pat it very, very dry with paper towels. Excess water will make the crust soggy. Once dry, treat it just like fresh fish. It makes a great quick fish dinner any night.
What herbs are best for the crust on lemon butter cod?
Parsley and tarragon are classic and lovely. Parsley is fresh and bright. Tarragon has a gentle, sweet flavor. You can use just parsley if that’s what you have. Dill or chives would also work well. The herbs and lemon zest make the cod with breadcrumbs special and fragrant.
How do you make the lemon butter sauce for cod?
This baked cod recipe uses a simple, tasty butter. Just add a knob of butter to your hot, drained potatoes and kale. The heat melts it into a sauce. The lemon flavor comes from the zest baked into the crust. *Fun fact: The acid in lemon can actually “cook” fish like in ceviche!*
What sides go well with lemon butter cod?
The recipe suggests buttery new potatoes and kale. They are perfect. Other great sides are simple rice or quinoa. Roasted asparagus or green beans are delicious too. A light salad with a lemon vinaigrette is also lovely. This dinner for two is very flexible.
Can I make lemon butter cod in an air fryer?
You can! It makes a very crispy crust. Follow the same steps for preparing the fish. Cook at 375°F for about 8-10 minutes. Check that it flakes easily. The air fryer makes this cod loin recipe even faster. Which tip will you try first?
My Kitchen Door is Always Open
I hope you love this cozy healthy cod dinner. Cooking should feel joyful, not stressful. The truffle mayo recipe addition is a fun little luxury. It makes the meal feel special.
I would love to hear about your cooking adventure. Tell me how it went in your kitchen. Have you tried this recipe? Your stories are my favorite thing to read. Thank you for spending this time with me.
Happy cooking!
—Grace Ellington.
Lemon Butter Cod with Crispy Herbed Crust
Description
Baked cod with lemon & herb crumb
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan.
- Combine the breadcrumbs, herbs, lemon zest and olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place the fish on a lined baking sheet and spread the breadcrumb mixture over the fish, patting it down until it sticks.
- Bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes, until the cod becomes opaque and flakes easily.
- Boil the potatoes in a large pan of water for 12-15 minutes, until tender, adding the kale for the last 8 minutes of cooking. Drain the potatoes and kale and add a knob of butter, serve alongside the baked cod with a dollop of Heinz Seriously Good Truffle Mayo.
Notes
- For a crispier crust, you can place the fish under the broiler for the last minute of cooking. Adjust the amount of truffle mayo to your taste.