Parmesan Crusted Cod with Lemon Butter Sauce: A Restaurant-Worthy Meal at Home
Looking to elevate your dinner game with a restaurant-worthy dish that’s surprisingly easy to make? Parmesan Crusted Cod with Lemon Butter Sauce is the perfect recipe for you! This dish features tender, flaky cod fillets coated in a crispy, golden Parmesan crust, topped with a rich and velvety lemon butter sauce.
🍋 Why You’ll Love Parmesan Crusted Cod with Lemon Butter Sauce
1️⃣ Crispy and Flavorful Crust
The combination of Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and herbs creates a perfectly crispy coating that adds incredible texture and flavor to the delicate cod.
2️⃣ Rich and Tangy Lemon Butter Sauce
The lemon butter sauce is the star of this dish. It brings a bright, tangy flavor that balances out the richness of the crust and enhances the cod’s natural taste.
3️⃣ Healthy and Nutritious
Cod is a lean source of protein packed with essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, and selenium. Pair it with fresh vegetables for a balanced meal.
4️⃣ Quick and Easy
This recipe takes less than 30 minutes to make, making it perfect for busy weeknights. It’s simple enough for beginners but impressive enough to wow your dinner guests.
🧄 Ingredients for Parmesan Crusted Cod with Lemon Butter Sauce
For the Parmesan Crusted Cod:
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Lemon Butter Sauce:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Fresh parsley for garnish
🧑🍳 Step-by-Step Process to Make Parmesan Crusted Cod with Lemon Butter Sauce
1️⃣ Prepare the Parmesan Crust
In a bowl, combine Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create the crust mixture.
2️⃣ Coat the Cod Fillets
Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the crust stick better. Brush each fillet with olive oil on both sides, then press them into the Parmesan mixture, ensuring they are fully coated.
3️⃣ Cook the Cod
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Place the coated cod fillets in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until the crust is golden brown and the fish is cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
4️⃣ Make the Lemon Butter Sauce
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the fresh lemon juice and season with salt. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
5️⃣ Serve the Dish
Place the cooked cod fillets on a plate and drizzle the lemon butter sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices for a pop of color and freshness.
🌿 Variations of the Recipe
1️⃣ Swap the Fish
If cod isn’t available, you can use other white fish like haddock, halibut, or tilapia. Each will deliver a slightly different texture but will work well with the Parmesan crust.
2️⃣ Add a Spicy Kick
For a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes to the Parmesan crust mixture or a dash of hot sauce to the lemon butter sauce.
3️⃣ Make It Gluten-Free
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour to create a gluten-free version of this dish.
❓ FAQs About Parmesan Crusted Cod with Lemon Butter Sauce
Q: Can I bake the cod instead of frying it?
A: Absolutely! If you prefer a healthier option, you can bake the cod fillets in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the fish is cooked through.
Q: Can I make the lemon butter sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently over low heat before serving.
Q: What sides go well with this dish?
A: This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, quinoa, or a fresh salad. The lemon butter sauce also complements asparagus, green beans, and rice.
🍽️ How to Serve Parmesan Crusted Cod with Lemon Butter Sauce
- Serve the cod fillets hot, drizzled with lemon butter sauce.
- Pair with a side of garlic mashed potatoes or herbed rice for a complete meal.
- Add a fresh salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness of the dish.
- Garnish with extra lemon slices and fresh parsley for a beautiful presentation.
Parmesan Crusted Cod with Lemon Butter Sauce
Ingredients
- For the Parmesan Crusted Cod:
- 4 cod fillets about 6 oz each
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- For the Lemon Butter Sauce:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice about 2 lemons
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, parsley, salt, and pepper to make the crust mixture.
- Pat cod fillets dry and brush them with olive oil. Press the fillets into the Parmesan mixture to coat them evenly.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Cook the coated cod fillets for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 145°F/63°C).
- In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes. Pour in lemon juice and add salt. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Serve the cod fillets hot, drizzled with lemon butter sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices if desired. Enjoy!
