Introduction

Garlic Butter Cod Fillets with Crispy Panko Topping is a simple yet impressive dish that combines tender, flaky fish with a flavorful, crunchy topping. This recipe brings restaurant-quality seafood to your home kitchen with minimal effort.

The image shows four pieces of golden brown, crispy breaded fish resting on a white plate. Each piece has a crunchy-looking outer layer with breadcrumbs and herbs giving a speckled texture of light and dark browns mixed with green from chopped parsley. The fish inside looks white, flaky, and tender, visible beneath the crust. Small pools of melted butter surround the fish pieces on the plate, adding a shiny, yellow gloss. The plate is set against a white marbled textured background, enhancing the warm tones of the fish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each – fresh or thawed if frozen)
Salt (to taste)
Black pepper (to taste)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Juice of half a lemon
5 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 garlic cloves (minced)
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for color)
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons butter (melted)
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly oil or spray your baking dish or sheet pan to prevent sticking. Pat your cod fillets dry with paper towels to help them roast instead of steam.
Step 2: Place the cod fillets in the baking dish, spaced evenly. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then season with salt and black pepper. Set aside while you prepare the garlic butter.
Step 3: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 5 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and chopped parsley, then remove from heat.
Step 4: In a bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and Parmesan cheese if using. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand to ensure a crispy topping.
Step 5: Brush or spoon half of the garlic butter over the cod fillets. Evenly sprinkle the panko mixture on top of each fillet, pressing down lightly to help it stick. Drizzle the remaining garlic butter over the topping.
Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes, depending on thickness. The cod should flake easily with a fork and the topping should be golden brown.
Step 7: For extra crispy topping, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Step 8: Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors beautifully.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness, or substitute with chopped chives or dill for a different herb twist.
Swap Parmesan cheese for Pecorino Romano or omit for a dairy-free version.
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the panko mixture.
If fresh cod is unavailable, substitute with other white fish like haddock, pollock, or halibut.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm gently in a low oven (around 300°F / 150°C) to help maintain the crispy topping without drying out the fish.

How to Serve

The image shows four pieces of golden-brown, crispy breaded fish fillets placed closely together on a white plate, each topped with small green herb flakes. The top layer is made up of crunchy, browned bread crumbs that have an uneven texture, while the inside layer is tender, flaky white fish. There are small pools of golden melted butter around the fish, adding a shiny, wet texture to the plate. The background is a white marbled surface that contrasts with the warm colors of the dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?

Yes, just make sure to fully thaw and pat the fillets dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture and ensure proper roasting.

What can I serve with garlic butter cod fillets?

This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad for a complete, balanced meal.