Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside—this simple Baked Cod With Panko recipe is simply delicious!
Maybe I’m alone in this, but I have often thought of cod as the tofu of fish. Mind you, I mean this as a compliment. Like tofu, this flaky fish is a culinary chameleon, absorbing the flavors of whatever you add to it. Whether you’re in the mood for Cajun or fish cakes, cod can adapt and shine in any dish. But most nights, I like to keep it simple with a glass of chardonnay and this baked cod with panko recipe.
Plenty of baked cod recipes exist, but I prefer adding a crunchy panko breadcrumb topping seasoned with some garlic and paprika. This one little addition elevates classic baked cod into something special enough for in-house dates and dinner parties.
And yes, I love my Friday fish fries as much as the next Wisconsinite. I’m all about greasing my fingers with a pile of beer-battered cod, usually with a tall cold one and a side of fries. Well, it turns out you can have too much of a good thing. Just ask my waistline. But guess what? Baked cod is a pretty good thing, too.
Is Baked Cod With Panko Healthy?
You bet! Cod is a lean protein source, low in calories. Cod is also rich in vitamin B12 and has some omega-3 fatty acids. Plus, I use olive oil instead of butter.
As for the breading, the panko breadcrumbs give a nice texture without adding too many carbs. For an even healthier take, you could use whole-wheat panko breadcrumbs. Keep in mind that the recipe only calls for a half cup, so it won’t have a significant nutritional impact—up to you! To make it keto-friendly, try substituting the panko with crushed pork rinds or almond flour. My vote is for the pork rinds!
What About Tilapia?
Like many fish these days, cod holds a hefty price tag, especially if you cook for a large crowd. Fortunately, a cheaper alternative exists—tilapia. I should note that tilapia isn’t as meaty as cod, though its flaky texture still works well in recipes like this one. What’s more, tilapia’s mild flavor absorbs the seasoning and the panko topping just as effectively as cod.
However, tilapia is leaner and less firm than cod. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option and don’t mind a slightly different texture, tilapia is a solid substitute. Just be mindful of the cooking time—tilapia’s thinner filets cook much faster!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Let the cod cool, then store it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat leftovers in the oven (or toaster oven) at 375°F for about 5-7 minutes to regain some of that panko crunch.
Serving Suggestions
Baked cod with panko is one of those recipes that isn’t complete without a few sides. My favorite go-to options are veggies like Air-Fryer Asparagus or Roasted Brussels Sprouts. Alternatively, keep it simple with a green salad dressed with Lemon Vinaigrette.
No fish is complete without a starchy side like Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes or Homemade French Fries! This healthy take on Potato Soup also pairs nicely with baked cod. And, don’t forget to add an extra squeeze of lemon juice over the fish before serving—it brightens up the dish and ties the flavors together perfectly.
Ingredients
- 4 6-ounce cod fillets
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley finely chopped
- 1 lemon cut into wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and lightly grease a baking sheet.
- Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Sprinkle the panko mixture evenly over the cod fillets, pressing gently to adhere.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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