On nights when I’m rushing to put dinner together but still want something that feels fresh and satisfying, this baked cod with a garlic herb panko crust is one of the first things that comes to mind. It’s light, quick, and has that cozy combination of buttery crumbs and tender fish that always feels comforting. The contrast of the crunchy topping and the soft, mild cod makes this dish such a reliable weeknight winner in my kitchen.
Seafood has always been my shortcut on busy evenings — it cooks fast and takes on flavors beautifully. This recipe is a good reminder that dinner doesn’t need to be complicated to taste special.
Why This Garlic Herb Panko Cod Works So Well
One of the things I love about this dish is how little fuss it requires. With just a handful of ingredients, you get a flavorful, crisp topping that balances the delicate fish underneath. The garlic melts into the butter, the lemon brightens everything up, and the parsley keeps the whole dish feeling fresh.
It’s a meal you can pull off when you’re tired but still want something homemade. And somehow, the family always reacts like you put in a lot more effort than you actually did.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what I reach for:
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4 cod fillets
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Salted butter
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Fresh garlic, minced
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Plain panko
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Fresh parsley, chopped
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Kosher salt
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Black pepper
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Lemon, for squeezing over the finished fish
Most of these ingredients are pantry staples, which makes this the kind of dinner you can throw together without planning ahead.
How I Pick Fresh Fish
A good piece of fish makes a world of difference. When I’m at the market, I look for cod that smells clean and mild. The flesh should be firm and not overly wet. If the fish still has its skin, I check that it looks shiny. A fishmonger you trust can make this part easier — they’ll usually point you in the right direction.
How I Make Baked Cod with Garlic Herb Panko
Make the Garlic Butter
Melt butter in a small pan, then turn off the heat as soon as it liquefies. Stir in the garlic so it softens gently from the warmth without browning.
Mix the Topping
Add panko and parsley to the warm garlic butter and combine until everything is coated.
Prepare the Fish
Place the cod fillets in a buttered baking dish. Season with salt and pepper. Spoon the panko mixture evenly over the top.
Bake
Bake at 425°F for about 15 minutes, or until the cod flakes easily and the topping turns golden.
Finish
Add a squeeze of fresh lemon over each fillet before serving. That little burst of citrus wakes up the dish in the best way.
Tips From My Kitchen
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Turn off the heat as soon as the butter melts — this keeps the garlic mellow.
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A thermometer helps prevent overcooking; I pull the fish at around 145°F.
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This method works beautifully with other firm fish like halibut, haddock, mahi mahi, or salmon.
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Don’t skip the lemon — it lifts the whole dish.
What to Serve with This Baked Cod
This cod pairs well with almost anything, which is part of its charm. Some of my go-to sides include:
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A fresh green salad
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Roasted vegetables
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Steamed asparagus
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Creamy mashed potatoes
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Buttered rice
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Crusty bread for scooping up the crumbs
FAQs
Can I use frozen cod?
Yes — just thaw it completely and pat it dry before baking.
Can I make the topping ahead of time?
You can mix the panko and parsley earlier, but add the butter and garlic just before baking so it stays crisp.
What if I only have unsalted butter?
Use it, but add a small pinch of extra salt to balance the flavor.
Can I swap the parsley for another herb?
Chives or dill work nicely, depending on what you prefer.
Baked Cod with Crispy Garlic Herb Panko
This quick baked cod is simple enough for a weeknight but flavorful enough to feel special.
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets (6 ounces each)
- 5 tablespoons salted butter, divided
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup plain panko
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Kosher salt and pepper
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 425°F and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with a tablespoon of butter. Arrange the cod fillets in the dish, squeeze a little lemon over them, and season with salt and pepper.
- Melt the remaining butter in a small pan over low heat until it begins to foam gently. Turn off the heat and stir in the garlic, letting it sit briefly so the butter takes on the garlic’s flavor.
- Add the panko to the pan and toss until it absorbs the buttery mixture. Mix in the parsley, seasoning with a touch more salt and pepper if needed.
- Spoon the panko mixture over each fillet, pressing lightly so it adheres well. Slide the dish into the oven and bake until the crumbs are golden and the fish flakes easily.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges for a bright finish.
Notes
- Any firm white fish works beautifully here — options like halibut, haddock, swordfish, salmon, or mahi mahi hold up well. To keep the topping light and aromatic, only melt the butter rather than sautéing the garlic. For perfect doneness, aim for an internal temperature of 145°F.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 454Total Fat 18gSaturated Fat 10gUnsaturated Fat 8gCholesterol 138mgSodium 490mgCarbohydrates 26gFiber 2gSugar 3gProtein 46g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thought
This baked cod with crispy garlic herb panko proves how comforting and easy a seafood dinner can be. It looks elegant but comes together effortlessly, making it perfect for rushed evenings or relaxed weekend meals. A few simple ingredients, a quick bake, and you’ve got a dish that feels both homey and satisfying.
