Simple Herb-Crusted Cod
Clean and simple baked cod with a flavorful herb crust, delivering 28g protein per serving at just 225 calories. Perfect weeknight dinner ready in 25 minutes.
10m
4
Click to copy recipe URL and open the app
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets (6 oz each), skin removed
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 pound asparagus, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained
Instructions
- 1
Preheat and Prepare
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Pat cod fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- 2
Make Herb Crust
In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, dill, minced garlic, lemon zest, and 2 tablespoons olive oil. Mix until breadcrumbs are evenly coated.
- 3
Prepare Cod
Brush the top of each cod fillet with Dijon mustard. Press the herb breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the mustard-coated surface of each fillet.
- 4
Prepare Asparagus
Toss trimmed asparagus with remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Arrange on one side of the prepared baking sheet.
- 5
Bake Together
Place herb-crusted cod fillets on the baking sheet alongside asparagus. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until fish flakes easily with a fork and internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- 6
Finish and Serve
Remove from oven and immediately drizzle with fresh lemon juice and sprinkle capers over the fish. Serve hot with the roasted asparagus.
Chef's Tips
Choose thick cod fillets for best results. The fish is done when it flakes easily and reaches 145°F internal temperature. Don't overbake or the fish will become dry.
Nutrition Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about making this simple herb-crusted cod
How long does it take to make Simple Herb-Crusted Cod?
This recipe takes 25 minutes total time, including 10 minutes prep time and 15 minutes cooking time.
How many servings does this Simple Herb-Crusted Cod recipe make?
This recipe yields 4 servings.
What is the difficulty level of this Simple Herb-Crusted Cod recipe?
This recipe is rated as Easy difficulty level, making it perfect for beginners.
Can I make substitutions in this Simple Herb-Crusted Cod recipe?
Yes, you can make substitutions, but they may affect the final result. Common substitutions include using different types of ingredients for dietary restrictions or personal preferences.
Can I make this simple herb-crusted cod ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare this simple herb-crusted cod up to 1 day ahead. Assemble the dish completely, cover with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bring to room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if needed.
How do I store leftover simple herb-crusted cod?
Store leftover simple herb-crusted cod covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
What side dishes go well with simple herb-crusted cod?
This simple herb-crusted cod pairs beautifully with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts, or crusty bread. For a complete meal, serve alongside grilled chicken or a protein of your choice.
Can I freeze simple herb-crusted cod?
Yes, this simple herb-crusted cod freezes well for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or store in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.