Herb-Crusted Cod with Lemon and Panko
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Meet your new go-to spring dinner! This herb-crusted cod recipe is light, fresh, and bursting with vibrant flavors. Think tender cod fillets, fresh herbs, zesty lemon, and a crispy panko crust all coming together in under 30 minutes. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something healthy and delicious without the fuss.
Delish Fish Dinner
This easy baked herb crusted cod recipe takes full advantage of fresh spring herbs to bring a light and aromatic touch to your table.
This dish strikes that perfect balance of looking gorgeous on the plate and being surprisingly simple to whip up in less than an hour. Herb-crusted fish is a personal favorite of mine—it’s straightforward enough for a weeknight family dinner but also has that elegant flair that makes it perfect for entertaining guests.
It pairs the mild, flaky texture of cod with a lively crust, brimming with the zest of lemon and the crisp, green flavors of spring. It’s the perfect meal to welcome the brighter days ahead.
Looking for more easy weeknight dinner ideas? Be sure to try our oven-baked pesto crusted salmon, our quick pesto butter salmon, our creamy chicken corn chowder, and our creamy rainbow vegetable pasta, with lemon and parmesan.
Why This Recipe Shines
Seasonal Produce Spotlight: Fresh Herbs
Spring in the Pacific Northwest is a time to celebrate the abundance of fresh, vibrant herbs that thrive in the region’s cool, moist climate.
- Parsley, with its bright, peppery notes, is versatile and perfect for everything from salads to sauces.
- Dill offers a fresh, tangy flavor that pairs wonderfully with seafood and spring vegetables.
- Chives add a delicate onion-like sharpness, ideal for garnishing dishes.
- Cilantro, known for its distinct, citrusy flavor, is essential in many cuisines and adds a burst of freshness to any dish.
Key Ingredients
*Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.
Step-By-Step Directions
1
PreHEAT & PRep
Heat oven to 400°F (200°C). Spray baking dish with cooking oil.
2
Mix the Sauce
Mix lemon juice and 1 tbsp melted butter in a shallow bowl.
3
Mix the Herb Crust
Combine remaining melted butter, lemon zest, garlic, parsley, dill, chives, panko, salt, and pepper in another bowl.
4
Dress The Cod
Dip cod fillets in the lemon butter sauce.
5
Coat The FILLETS
Dredge fillets in herb-crust mixture, pressing gently to coat both sides evenly.
6
Bake
Arrange fillets in the baking dish and bake for 12-14 minutes until golden and crispy.
7
Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with fresh dill and parsley before serving. Enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors!
Perfect Sides for Serving
Round out your lemon herb-crusted cod meal with these simple, crowd-pleasing sides that perfectly complement the fresh, flaky cod. From creamy starches to vibrant veggies, there’s something for everyone.
Starchy Sides
Pesto Mashed Potatoes Au Gratin: Creamy mashed potatoes meet bold pesto and a cheesy golden crust—a rich, satisfying addition to your plate.
Buttered New Potatoes with Dill, Lemon, and Garlic: Tender new potatoes tossed in butter, fresh dill, zesty lemon, and garlic. Simple, flavorful, and a perfect complement to the tender cod.
Spring Vegetable Au Gratin: A creamy, cheesy medley of spring veggies with a crispy crust. Elegant yet comforting, it pairs beautifully with the cod.
Roasted Vegetables
Charred Broccolini with Lemon, Garlic, and Parmesan: Smoky broccolini, zesty lemon, savory garlic, and Parmesan—it’s a perfect match for the cod’s citrusy notes.
Simple Italian-Style Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted with Italian herbs, olive oil, and a touch of balsamic vinegar. Flavorful, aromatic, and totally no-fuss.
Roasted Carrots and Asparagus with Tarragon Butter: Sweet carrots and tender asparagus drizzled with rich tarragon butter. A fancy, easy side for a sophisticated meal.
Salads
Lemony Green Bean Salad with Goat Cheese: Crunchy green beans tossed with lemon vinaigrette and creamy goat cheese for a tangy, refreshing hit.
Spinach and Arugula Salad with Shaved Parmesan: Peppery arugula and tender spinach with a light balsamic dressing and Parmesan. Simple, fresh, and elegant.
Simple Strawberry Spring Mix Salad: Juicy strawberries, mixed greens, and a citrus vinaigrette make this salad sweet, refreshing, and a perfect complement to the savory cod.
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Herb-Crusted Cod with Lemon and Panko Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- ½ large lemon, zested and juiced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- additional fresh dill, chives, and/or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spray the bottom of a casserole-type baking dish with cooking oil to make cleanup a breeze.
- In a shallow bowl mix the lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of the melted butter.
- In another shallow bowl, combine remaining melted butter, lemon zest, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dill, chives, panko, salt, and pepper. Stir well to blend all the flavors.
- Dip each cod fillet into the lemon butter sauce to thoroughly coat.
- Then dredge the fillets in the herb-crust mixture to coat both sides. Gently press the herb-crust mixture into each cod fillet, making sure you get a nice, even layer on both sides for that satisfying crunch.
- Arrange the cod fillets in the prepared baking dish. Pop them in the oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and the panko crust is golden and crispy.
- Once done, transfer the cod to plates and sprinkle with additional fresh herbs. The freshness of these herbs will elevate the dish, adding a burst of spring to every bite!
Recipe Notes
Top Tips
- Check for Doneness: Use a fork to gently flake the fish at the thickest part. If it flakes easily and is opaque throughout, it’s done. Overcooking can make the fish dry.
- Add a Squeeze of Lemon: Just before serving, add a final squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the baked cod to enhance the bright, zesty flavor.
- Customize the Breadcrumbs: Mix in some grated Parmesan cheese with the panko breadcrumbs for a richer, more savory crust.
Leftovers & Storage
- Refrigerate: Transfer any leftover cod to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheat Gently: To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cod on a baking sheet and cover with foil to prevent drying out. Heat for 10-12 minutes or until warmed through.
- Avoid Microwave: Avoid reheating in the microwave if possible, as it can make the fish rubbery and the crust soggy.
Nutrition
*Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy only and should be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. Ingredients can vary and Maplevine Kitchen makes no guarantees to the accuracy of this information.
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Quick and easy, light and flavorful, We loved it!