Baked Cod with Crispy Garlic-Herb Panko Crust

Baked Cod with Crispy Garlic Herb Panko is a dependable weeknight dinner when time is tight. Mild, flaky cod is topped with a buttery, garlicky panko crust that bakes to a satisfying crunch. The topping is simple—panko, butter, garlic and fresh parsley—and it brightens up the delicate flavor of cod with a squeeze of lemon. This family-friendly seafood recipe comes together quickly and makes an elegant, healthy meal with minimal effort.

Recipe at a Glance

• Recipe Name: Baked Cod with Panko
• Ready In: 5 minutes prep, 15 minutes cook time
• Serves: 4
• Calories: 269 per serving
• Main Ingredients: Cod, butter, lemon, panko, garlic, parsley
• Difficulty: Easy

Panko Crusted Cod Recipe

Seafood is a fast and flexible option for weeknights because it cooks quickly and adapts well to different flavor profiles. Baking cod with a crispy panko topping keeps the fish moist while adding texture and savory notes from butter, garlic and herbs. This particular preparation is straightforward enough for beginners but produces a result that feels special.

Prepared this way, the cod stays tender inside while the panko turns golden and crunchy on top. Because the ingredients are common pantry staples, you can assemble the dish quickly and have dinner on the table in about 20 minutes total.

Baked Cod with Panko Ingredients

These ingredients are commonly found in a well-stocked kitchen. The garlic-infused butter moistens the panko and gives it rich flavor, while parsley and lemon provide freshness and balance.

• Salted butter
• Cod fillets (about 6 ounces each)
• Lemon
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Plain panko
• Fresh parsley, chopped

How to Pick Fresh Fish at the Market

Choose the freshest fish available for the best texture and flavor. A few simple checks will help you select quality fillets:

• Build a rapport with your fishmonger; their expertise is helpful.
• The seafood should not smell strongly fishy or like ammonia.
• Fish should feel firm to the touch and display vibrant color.
• If skin or scales are present, they should look shiny and intact.
• Any liquid around the fish should be clear, not milky.

How to Make Baked Cod with Panko (Step by Step)

This easy seafood recipe is ideal for cooks of all levels. With fresh fish and a few pantry staples, it takes just minutes to assemble and then a short time to bake. Follow the steps below for consistent results.

• Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
• Step 2: Coat a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with 1 tablespoon of butter. Place the cod fillets in the dish and season with lemon juice, kosher salt and pepper.
• Step 3: In a small sauté pan over medium-low heat, melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter. When it melts and just begins to foam, remove the pan from the heat and add the minced garlic. Allow the garlic to infuse the butter for about a minute—do not brown it.
• Step 4: Stir the panko into the garlic butter until the crumbs are evenly coated. Fold in the chopped parsley and season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
• Step 5: Divide the panko mixture evenly across the tops of the cod fillets and press gently so it adheres.
• Step 6: Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the panko is golden and the fish flakes easily. For accuracy, the internal temperature of cooked fish should reach 145°F (63°C).
• Step 7: Remove from the oven and serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Cooking Tips for Making Baked Panko Cod

This recipe is quick enough to replace takeout and yields a flavorful, balanced plate. Keep these tips in mind for the best results:

• Any firm white fish works well: halibut, haddock or mahi mahi are excellent alternatives.
• Turn off the heat as soon as the butter melts to gently infuse it with garlic—this prevents the garlic from burning and turning bitter.
• Use a digital thermometer to avoid overcooking; perfectly cooked fish should be moist, opaque and reach 145°F internally.

What to Serve with This Baked Cod

The cod pairs nicely with simple, colorful sides that complement its buttery, herbed crust. Consider steamed or roasted vegetables, a light grain or a fresh salad. The quick cook time makes it easy to prepare one or two sides while the fish bakes.

• Cauliflower rice or a light pilaf
• Crispy broiled or roasted broccoli with garlic
• Tomato and mozzarella salad with basil
• Roasted carrots and parsnips
• Parmesan buttered noodles
• Leafy green salad with a bright vinaigrette

More Seafood Recipes

• Baked teriyaki salmon
• Cod oreganata
• Salmon baked in foil
• Easy baked oysters
• Oysters Rockefeller

One More Thing

Did you try this recipe?

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Thanks ~ Amy