Boston Baked Cod with Lemon-Butter Panko Crust Recipe

Introduction

Boston Baked Cod is a delightful seafood dish featuring tender, flaky cod fillets topped with a golden lemon-butter panko crust. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner that feels both comforting and fresh.

Ingredients

• 4 cod fillets (6 oz each), about 1 inch thick
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Butter, for greasing the baking dish
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Optional: pinch of smoked paprika (for extra flavor)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: Pat the cod fillets completely dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and black pepper evenly.
3. Step 3: Arrange the cod fillets in the prepared baking dish, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.
4. Step 4: Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan over medium heat until it begins to foam, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat immediately.
5. Step 5: Stir the panko breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, garlic powder, lemon zest, and smoked paprika (if using) into the melted butter. Mix until the texture resembles wet sand.
6. Step 6: Spoon the breadcrumb mixture evenly over each cod fillet. Press gently to help the topping adhere to the fish.
7. Step 7: Drizzle the fresh lemon juice and olive oil evenly over the fillets and topping.
8. Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and the topping is nicely golden brown.
9. Step 9: Remove from oven and let the cod rest for 2 minutes before serving to let flavors settle.

Tips & Variations

• Make sure to dry the cod fillets thoroughly before seasoning and topping for the crispiest crust.
• If your cod fillets are thinner than 1 inch, start checking for doneness around 10–11 minutes to avoid overcooking.
• For an extra crunchy topping, broil the fish for 30–60 seconds at the end of baking, but watch closely to prevent burning.
• Swap out parsley with fresh dill or basil to add a different herbal note.
• Add a little grated Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb mixture for a richer flavor.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven (around 300°F) to help maintain the crisp topping, or warm in a skillet over medium-low heat. Avoid microwaving to keep the crust from becoming soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cod fillets for this recipe?

Yes, but be sure to thaw them completely and pat them very dry before baking. Excess moisture can prevent the topping from crisping up properly.

What can I serve with Boston Baked Cod?

This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh green salad. Roasted potatoes or a light pasta tossed with olive oil and herbs also complement it nicely.

Boston Baked Cod with Lemon-Butter Panko Crust Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 138 reviews

• Author: Harper
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Boston Baked Cod features tender, flaky cod fillets topped with a golden lemon-butter panko crust. This fast and cozy recipe is perfect for an easy weeknight seafood dinner, combining bright citrus flavors with a crunchy topping for a satisfying meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fish

• 4 cod fillets (6 oz each), about 1 inch thick
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Butter, for greasing the baking dish

Topping

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Optional: pinch of smoked paprika (for extra flavor)

Finishing

• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter to prevent sticking and add flavor.
2. Prepare the cod fillets: Pat the cod fillets completely dry using paper towels. Season both sides of each fillet evenly with salt and black pepper to enhance the flavor.
3. Arrange fillets: Place the seasoned cod fillets in the buttered baking dish with a little space between each piece to ensure even cooking.
4. Make the topping: In a small saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat until foaming, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the panko breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, garlic powder, lemon zest, and smoked paprika if using. Mix until the mixture resembles wet sand.
5. Apply the topping: Spoon the prepared panko topping evenly over each cod fillet. Press gently so the topping adheres well to the fish.
6. Drizzle finishing touches: Drizzle fresh lemon juice and olive oil over the fillets to add brightness and moisture.
7. Bake the cod: Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and the topping is golden brown.
8. Rest and serve: Allow the cod to rest for 2 minutes out of the oven before serving to let the juices redistribute and the crust to set.

Notes

• Drying the cod well before seasoning helps the topping stay crispy during baking.
• If your cod fillets are thinner than 1 inch, start checking for doneness at around 10–11 minutes to avoid overcooking.
• For extra crunch, you can broil the cod for 30–60 seconds after baking; watch closely to prevent burning.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Boston Baked Cod, baked cod recipe, lemon butter cod, panko crusted cod, easy seafood dinner