Garlic Butter Cod Fillets with Crispy Panko Topping Recipe
This Garlic Butter Cod Fillets recipe features tender, flaky cod topped with a crispy panko breadcrumb crust infused with garlic, lemon, and herbs. Baked to perfection, the cod is bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce and finished with a golden, crunchy topping that adds delightful texture and flavor. Perfect for a quick and elegant weeknight dinner, this dish pairs well with fresh lemon wedges and parsley for a bright, fresh finish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Fish
- 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
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for color)
Panko Topping
- 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
- Preheat and Prep: 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 ensure they roast rather than steam.
- Season the Cod: Arrange the cod fillets evenly spaced in the baking dish. Drizzle them with olive oil and lemon juice, then season with salt and black pepper. Set aside while preparing the sauce.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and chopped parsley. Remove from heat.
- Prepare the Panko Topping: In a bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and Parmesan cheese (if using) until the mixture resembles wet sand, ensuring a crispy finish when baked.
- Assemble: Brush or spoon half of the garlic butter sauce over the cod fillets. Sprinkle the panko topping evenly over each fillet, pressing lightly to adhere. Drizzle the remaining garlic butter over the breadcrumb topping.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15–18 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish. The cod should flake easily with a fork and the topping should be golden brown.
- Broil for Extra Crispiness (Optional): For an extra crispy panko crust, broil the fillets for 1–2 minutes at the end of baking. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve: Serve the cod fillets hot with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and lemon wedges on the side. A final squeeze of lemon enhances the bright garlic butter flavor.
Notes
- Patting the cod dry before seasoning is crucial to prevent steaming and ensure proper roasting.
- Adjust the amount of garlic in the butter sauce based on your preference for garlic intensity.
- Parmesan cheese in the panko topping adds extra flavor but can be omitted for a dairy-free version.
- Keep an eye on the breadcrumbs when broiling to avoid burning.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Keywords: Garlic butter cod, baked cod fillets, crispy panko topping, easy seafood recipe, lemon garlic fish
