Baked Panko Cod is a simple, light dinner option that is loaded with flavor. Fresh cod filets are topped with crispy panko bread crumbs and flavored with dried dill, fresh lemon juice and capers.
Cod is a mild, white fish that is regularly found in most grocery stores. It is often cheaper than fresh haddock and salmon, making it an excellent budget-friendly protein.
I try to make fresh fish for my family at least once a week. Fish is high in protein, low in fat and can be an excellent source of essential fatty acids. Fresh fish cooks quickly in the oven, making it perfect for nights I need to get dinner on the table in a hurry.
I love adding panko bread crumbs to my baked cod. Panko bread crumbs crisp up in the oven and add a wonderful crunchy texture to the bites of soft, flaky fish.
Recipe Highlights
- High protein
- Source of essential fatty acids
- Cooks quickly – under 30 minutes!
- Simple & common ingredients
Ingredients
- Cod filets
- Panko bread crumbs
- Olive oil
- Mayo
- Capers
- Lemon
- Dried dill weed
- Garlic powder
- Salt & pepper
Kitchen tools needed
- Sheet pan or baking dish – Nordic Ware sheet pans are my favorite!
- 2 small mixing bowls
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Parchment paper
How to make Baked Panko Cod
- Preheat the oven to 375° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lay the cod filets on the parchment paper and pat dry with a paper towel. Season the cod filets with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, mix the bread crumbs with the olive oil
- In another small bowl, mix together the mayo, lemon juice, dried dill weed, garlic powder and capers.
- Using a large spoon, top the cod filets with mayo mixture. Spread the mayonnaise out on the cod filets so that each filet has an even layer of of the mayonnaise.
- Sprinkle the panko bread crumbs on top of the later of mayonnaise.
- Bake the panko cod in the oven for 20-25 minutes. Start checking the thinner filets of cod at 20 minutes. You may want to remove the thin filets and continue cooking the thicker filets of cod for an additional 5 minutes or until the fish is cooked through. Fish should be cooked until it has reached an internal temperature of at least 145°F.
Cod vs Haddock
Cod and haddock can be substituted for each other when necessary. However, they do have distinct differences in flavor and texture. Cod tends to be milder tasting than haddock. Haddock can have a slight “fishy” flavor. Cod filets are thicker, whiter in color and firmer. Haddock is considered a white fish, even though the filets can sometimes have a grey/pink tint. Haddock filets are thinner and can be more delicate.
Can I substitute regular bread crumbs for panko bread crumbs?
In some recipes you could substitute regular bread crumbs for panko bread crumbs. In this recipe though, I do not recommend substituting regular bread crumbs in. Panko bread crumbs are thicker and crunchier than regular bread crumbs. Regular bread crumbs will not give the panko cod the same amount of “crunch” as panko bread crumbs will.
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- Roasted Chicken with Garlic Herb Butter
- Buffalo Chicken Thighs with Celery and Blue Cheese
- Roasted Dijon Chicken Thighs with Crispy Skin
What are capers?
Capers are briny, salty little green balls that add pops of flavor to your dish! Specifically, capers are native to the Mediterranean and are the un-ripened flower buds of the caper bush. You may have eaten capers the last time you ordered chicken piccata from a restaurant!
Baked Panko Cod with Lemon and Dill
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Baked Panko Cod is a simple, light dinner option that is loaded with flavor. Fresh cod filets are topped with crispy panko bread crumbs and flavored with dried dill, fresh lemon juice and capers.
Ingredients
- 1.5 – 2 pounds cod filets
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon dried dill weed
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons capers
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt & pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375° F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Lay the cod filets out on the parchment lined baking sheet and pat dry. Lightly season the cod with salt and pepper.
- In a small mixing bowl, mix together the panko bread crumbs and the olive oil.
- In another small mixing bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, dried dill, lemon juice, capers and garlic powder.
- Spread the mayo mixture in an even layer onto the cod filets.
- Top the layer of mayonnaise with the panko bread crumbs.
- Bake the panko cod in the oven for 20-25 minutes. Start checking the thinner filets of fish at 20 minutes and remove the fish if it is cooked through. Continue cooking any thicker filets for an additional 5 minutes or until cooked through. You will know when your fish is done when it is firm to the touch, has a light and flaky texture when cut into and when it has reached an internal temperature of at least 145°F.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
- Category: lunch, dinner
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: baked panko cod
Serving suggestions
Serve fresh cod with a light garden salad, sautéed fresh vegetables, mashed potatoes, baked potatoes or rice. White fish also pairs well with dry white wine like Pinot Gris or Sauvignon Blanc.
- Sautéed Zucchini and Onions with Sweet Corn
- Garlic Basmati Rice with Oregano and Fresh Parsley
- Oven Roasted Cauliflower Steak with Parmesan
- Redskin Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese
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Frequently asked questions
If cod is tough, then it is most likely overcooked. This is why I recommend checking the fish at 20 minutes and then adjusting the cook time from there.
Cod is a very mild, white fish. You will not taste the distinct “fishy” taste when eating a filet of cod fish. This is why it is an excellent fish for fish-eating beginners!
Many people consider cod fish to be a healthy protein choice. It is high in protein and low in fat. Cod also contains essential fatty acids, also knows as “good fats!”
Leave me any comments or questions below!
