Baked Cod Lemon Herb Butter (Printable)

Tender cod fillets topped with a zesty lemon herb butter crumb and baked to golden perfection.

# What You'll Need:

→ Fish

01 - 4 skinless, boneless cod fillets (approximately 5.3 oz each)

→ Lemon Herb Butter Crumb

02 - 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
03 - 2 cups fresh breadcrumbs
04 - Zest of 1 lemon
05 - 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
06 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
07 - 1 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped (optional)
08 - 1 garlic clove, minced
09 - ½ tsp salt
10 - ¼ tsp black pepper

→ Garnish (optional)

11 - Lemon wedges
12 - Extra chopped parsley

# How To Make:

01 - Set oven temperature to 400°F and prepare a baking tray with parchment paper or light grease.
02 - Pat the cod fillets dry using paper towels and arrange them on the prepared tray.
03 - In a bowl, combine melted butter, fresh breadcrumbs, lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, dill if used, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until mixture resembles damp sand.
04 - Evenly spread the lemon herb butter crumb over each cod fillet, pressing gently to adhere.
05 - Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the cod turns opaque, flakes easily, and the topping is golden brown.
06 - Remove from oven and garnish with additional parsley and lemon wedges if desired. Serve immediately.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The crumb stays crispy on top while the fish turns impossibly tender underneath, no flipping or fussing required.
  • Fresh lemon and herbs make the whole kitchen smell like a coastal bistro, even on a weeknight.
  • It looks impressive enough for guests but comes together faster than ordering takeout.
02 -
  • Wet fish will steam under the crumbs and turn them soggy, so pat every fillet bone dry before you start.
  • If your crumbs brown too fast but the fish isn't cooked, tent the tray loosely with foil and give it a few more minutes.
03 -
  • Use a microplane for the lemon zest and stop before you hit the bitter white pith underneath.
  • Let the fillets sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before baking so they cook more evenly from edge to center.

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