Baked Cod With Crusted Panko

closeup of panko crusted baked cod with a lemon wedge and fries

Baked Cod With Crusted Panko

Course: Main

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Budget-Friendly, Easy, Family Friendly, Fish, Healthy, Quick, Sheetpan

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 10

Servings:

Calories: 316kcal

Author: Marilyn

Try this quick and easy sheet pan meal for crispy baked cod is a healthy and delicious main course. For a one pan meal, we've added some fresh trimmed asparagus so you will be set for a delightful meal in under 30 minutes start to finish.

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Ingredients

4 cod fillets, 6 ounces each
¼ cup Panko bread crumbs
¼ cup butter, melted divided
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese optional
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
2 cloves garlic, minced divided
½ lemon, zest and juice of
Kosher salt
1 pound asparagus trimmed
Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425°F.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Pat the cod dry with paper towels. Arrange cod fillets on one end of the parchment paper with space in between the fillets.
In a medium bowl, combine the bread crumbs, 3 tablespoon of butter, the parmesan (if using), parsley, half of the garlic, the lemon zest and juice, and ½ teaspoon of kosher salt. Using a spoon, divided mixture evenly over the cod fillets. Using the back of the spoon, spread panko mixture to cover the cod.
Arrange the asparagus on the remaining end of the baking sheet, uncrowded, and drizzle with the remaining butter and garlic. Season with salt. Gently toss asparagus to coat.
Bake for 15 minutes or until fish is transparent and flakes easily when tested with a fork. The asparagus should be tender and lightly browned.
Arrange asparagus next to the cod fillets on individual plates and serve.

Notes

If you plan to use frozen cod, defrost it overnight in the refrigerator. If you are in a hurry, you can defrost it in ice cold water in the sink or in a bowl. Change the water frequently to keep it cold. I do not recommend defrosting the cod in the microwave.

Cod Substitutes: Ideally, you should ask your fish monger what would be a good substitute if you are not using cod. They are the most knowledgeable. An important factor is to choose a fish fillet that is similar in size and weight to cod so it cooks up similarly.

Equivalents:

2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes can be used in place of the fresh parsley.
1 teaspoon minced garlic can be used in place of the fresh clove.
1 tablespoon of bottled lemon juice can be used in place of fresh.
½ tablespoon of lemon zest can be used in place of fresh.
¼ teaspoon of dried lemon zest can be used in place of fresh.

Nutrition