Baked Cod with Panko Crust

The way my grandmother always said 'dinner's ready' was in how the kitchen smelled, and this baked cod with its golden crust brings me right back to her Friday fish nights. I stumbled upon panko crusts years later when regular breadcrumbs just refused to crisp up the way I wanted. Something about that extra crunch transforms an otherwise quiet piece of fish into something worth lingering over.

My roommate used to request this cod whenever she'd had an especially long day at work, claiming the crunch somehow made everything better. We'd eat it standing up in the kitchen sometimes, too hungry to bother setting the table, the buttery smell filling every corner of our tiny apartment.

Ingredients

• Cod fillets: Fresh, mild white fish that flakes beautifully and holds up well under a crispy topping
• Panko breadcrumbs: Japanese-style crumbs that create a lighter, crunchier crust than ordinary breadcrumbs
• Fresh parsley: Adds brightness and color that cuts through the richness of the butter and cheese
• Lemon zest: Essential for that fragrant citrus aroma that makes white fish sing
• Parmesan cheese: Brings salty depth and helps the crust brown into gorgeous golden goodness
• Garlic powder and smoked paprika: The subtle smokiness and garlic warmth make people ask what your secret is
• Unsalted butter: Melted butter coats every crumb and helps achieve that irresistible golden color

Instructions

Get your oven ready:

Preheat to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment, brushing it lightly with olive oil so nothing sticks

Prep the cod:

Pat the fillets thoroughly dry with paper towels, season both sides with salt and pepper, and arrange them on your prepared sheet

Make the crust:

In a medium bowl, combine panko, parsley, lemon zest, Parmesan, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt, then pour in melted butter and toss until every crumb glistens

Top the fish:

Press the panko mixture evenly onto each fillet, using gentle pressure so it adheres without compacting too tightly

Bake to golden:

Drizzle a little olive oil over the crust and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the fish flakes easily and the topping is deeply golden brown

Serve it up:

Bring the baking sheet straight to the table and serve immediately with plenty of lemon wedges for squeezing

Save

This recipe became my go-to dinner party main after the time my friend Sarah asked if I'd cater her wedding reception, and I realized sometimes the simplest dishes are the ones people remember most fondly.

Choosing the Best Fish

I've learned the hard way that fresh fish should smell like the ocean, not fishy at all. Ask your fishmonger what came in that day, and don't be afraid to give it a sniff before buying.

Getting That Perfect Crunch

The trick I discovered is to press the panko mixture onto the fish firmly but gently, almost like you're tucking it in for a nap. If you press too hard, it becomes dense, but too loose and it falls off before you even get it to the table.

Serving Ideas

This cod pairs beautifully with roasted asparagus or a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette. I love serving it over roasted fingerling potatoes seasoned with rosemary.

• A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the butter beautifully
• Add a pinch of cayenne to the crust if you want to wake it up with some heat
• Leftovers reheat surprisingly well in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes

Save

There's something deeply satisfying about cracking into that golden crust and finding perfectly tender fish underneath. It's the kind of dinner that makes you feel like you've taken proper care of yourself.

Recipe FAQs

→ What temperature should I bake the cod?

Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes until the fish flakes easily and the crust is golden brown.

→ Can I use other types of fish?

Yes, haddock, halibut, or any firm white fish works well with this panko crust method.

→ How do I get the crust to stick?

Pat the fish dry first, then press the butter-coated panko mixture firmly onto the fillets to help it adhere.

→ Can I make this gluten-free?

Use certified gluten-free panko breadcrumbs to make this dish suitable for gluten-free diets.

→ What should I serve with this cod?

Roasted vegetables, fresh salad, or steamed rice pair beautifully. Lemon wedges and crisp white wine complement the flavors.

→ Can I add more spice to the crust?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the panko mixture for extra heat.