Golden Parmesan Crusted Cod Recipe: A Family-Favorite Seafood Treat

Seafood lovers rejoice as this parmesan crusted cod recipe delivers a crispy, golden-brown delight that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds.

The tender cod fillets, coated in a savory parmesan crust, create a mouthwatering combination of textures and flavors that elevates a simple fish dish.

Fresh ingredients and a few smart techniques turn this meal into something truly special.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of delicate fish and crunchy coating that melts in your mouth.

The recipe comes together quickly, making it an ideal option for busy weeknight dinners or impressive weekend meals.

With minimal preparation and maximum flavor, this cod dish will become a staple in your culinary repertoire.

Let’s find out this delectable seafood experience and watch as your dinner guests ask for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 22 minutes

Calories: 270 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients Used in Parmesan Crusted Cod

• Cod Fillets: Fresh, mild-flavored fish that cooks quickly and absorbs seasonings beautifully, best when sustainably sourced and firm to the touch.

• Large Egg, Grated Parmesan Cheese: Egg acts as a perfect sticky glue to help cheese adhere to fish, while Parmesan adds nutty, salty crunch and golden exterior when baked.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Smoked Paprika, Red Pepper Flakes: Powerful spice combination creating depth with warm garlic notes, sweet onion undertones, smoky complexity, and subtle heat that elevates the mild cod without overwhelming its delicate flavor.

• Lemon Wedges: Bright, zesty citrus that cuts through richness, adds fresh tang, and brings out the fish's natural sweetness when squeezed just before eating.

Tools Needed for Parmesan Crusted Cod

• Baking sheet: Sturdy, flat pan for even cooking and easy fish placement.
• Shallow dishes: Two for egg wash and Parmesan coating, ensuring clean coating process.
• Whisk or fork: Quick tool for beating egg smoothly and evenly.
• Measuring spoons: Precise measurements for spices and seasonings.
• Oven: Essential for baking cod to golden, crispy perfection.
• Spatula: Helpful for transferring delicate fish fillets without breaking.

Cooking Parmesan Crusted Cod at Home

• Flavor Foundation Combine zesty seasonings with grated Parmesan cheese in a wide, flat dish.

Blend together fragrant spices that will transform your mild fish into a culinary adventure.

• Egg Bath Gently dip each cod fillet into whisked egg, ensuring a complete coating that helps seasonings stick perfectly.
• Crispy Transformation Press the egg-coated fish into the seasoned Parmesan mixture, creating a delicate and crunchy exterior that will seal in moisture.
• Golden Baking Place prepared fillets on a lined baking sheet and slide into a hot oven, allowing the fish to cook until it turns a gorgeous golden color and becomes beautifully flaky.
• Bright Finishing Touch Serve immediately with fresh citrus wedges or a creamy sauce that complements the rich, crispy fish.

Ideas and Adjustments for Parmesan Crusted Cod

• Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley, dill, or chives over the cod right before serving to add a bright, zesty flavor and beautiful green color.
• Adjust the red pepper flakes to make the dish mild or extra spicy, depending on your heat preference. Start with a pinch and increase gradually.
• Try this crispy Parmesan coating with other white fish like halibut, tilapia, or haddock for equally delicious results. Each fish will bring a unique texture and taste.
• Prepare the Parmesan coating and coat the fish up to 4 hours in advance. Keep covered in the refrigerator and bake just before serving to save time during meal preparation.
• This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it perfect for those with dietary restrictions. Ensure all your spices are certified gluten-free for total peace of mind.

How to Serve Parmesan Crusted Cod Creatively

• Zesty Citrus Companion: Squeeze fresh lemon wedges over the cod to brighten the rich, cheesy flavor and add a tangy pop that cuts through the creamy Parmesan crust.
• Mediterranean Plate Partner: Serve alongside a crisp Greek salad with cucumber, tomatoes, and olives to create a light, refreshing meal that complements the fish's robust seasoning.
• Creamy Dipping Delight: Prepare a quick homemade tartar sauce by mixing mayonnaise, chopped pickles, dill, and a splash of lemon juice for a cool, creamy accompaniment that enhances the cod's crispy exterior.
• Wholesome Grain Base: Plate the Parmesan crusted cod over quinoa or wild rice pilaf to soak up the delicious pan juices and create a more substantial, nutritious dinner option.

How to Store Parmesan Crusted Cod Meals

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover cod in an airtight container, keeping it chilled at 40°F or below for maximum freshness, consuming within 1-2 days to maintain optimal taste and texture.
• Freezing Technique: Wrap individual cod fillets tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen cod remains delicious for up to 3 months when properly sealed.
• Reheating Magic: Gently warm refrigerated cod in the oven at 275°F for 10-15 minutes, avoiding microwave to prevent overcooking and maintain the crispy Parmesan crust's delightful crunch.
• Smart Meal Prep: Create extra Parmesan-crusted cod during initial cooking, portioning into individual servings for quick weeknight meals or lunch options that can be easily reheated and enjoyed.

Crispy Parmesan Crusted Cod Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mediterranean-inspired parmesan crusted cod blends crisp herb coatings with delicate fish for an elegant dinner. Succulent white fish emerges golden and flavorful, perfect for you to savor with a light salad or roasted vegetables.

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Ingredients

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• 4 cod fillets (about 5 oz / 142 g each)
• ½ cup (50 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 egg, large, beaten
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes
• Lemon wedges, for serving

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and prepare a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or light grease to prevent sticking.
2. Egg Coating: Whisk egg in a shallow dish until smooth and slightly frothy, creating a uniform binding agent for the crust.
3. Spice Mixture: Blend Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and red pepper flakes in a separate shallow dish, ensuring even distribution of seasonings.
4. Fish Preparation: Thoroughly pat cod fillets dry to eliminate excess moisture, promoting optimal crust adhesion.
5. Coating Process: Dip each fillet into whisked egg, ensuring complete coverage, then transfer to Parmesan spice mixture, gently pressing to create a uniform, crisp exterior.
6. Baking: Arrange crusted fillets on prepared baking sheet with slight spacing, then roast in preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until golden brown and easily flaked.
7. Finishing: Remove from oven, allow 2-3 minutes resting time for crust setting and internal cooking completion, then garnish with fresh lemon wedges and serve with optional tartar sauce or herb-infused aioli.

Notes

Optimize Fish Dryness: Pat cod fillets completely dry to ensure the Parmesan coating sticks perfectly and creates a crispy, golden crust without moisture interference.

Temperature Precision: Use an instant-read thermometer to check internal fish temperature reaches 145°F for safe, perfectly cooked seafood without overcooking.

Cheese Selection Matters: Choose high-quality, freshly grated Parmesan for maximum flavor and better coating adherence compared to pre-packaged alternatives.

Avoid Overcrowding: Space fillets slightly apart on the baking sheet to promote even heat circulation and prevent steaming, which can make the crust soggy.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Seafood
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 270
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg