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. This is an easy recipe that cooks in under 30 minutes!

Cod is a mild white fish that is regularly found in most grocery stores. Cod fillets are 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 typically a healthy meal because 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 made for the whole family 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 topping to the bites of soft, flaky fish.
This is one of my favorite fish recipes! If you love fish too, then you also need to try out my Air Fryer Frozen Salmon recipe made with a lemon butter sauce and my Blackened Cod recipe.
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Recipe Highlights
- High protein
- Source of essential fatty acids
- Cooks quickly - under 30 minutes!
- Common & simple ingredients
Ingredients
- Cod filets - Cod is a type of white fish found in the fresh fish section of the grocery store. You'll want to use fresh fish filets for this recipe.
- Panko bread crumbs - Crunchy panko bread crumbs cannot be substituted out for regular breadcrumbs. The panko topping needs the crunchy texture that you can only get from panko.
- Olive oil - The olive oil will add to the crunchy panko crust. If you would prefer buttery panko bread crumbs, then you can substitute in a little melted butter for the olive oil.
- Mayo - The mayonnaise will not only add flavor, but it will also help to keep the cod fish filets from drying out.
- Capers - Capers are briny, salty little green balls that add pops of flavor to your dish! If you're unsure of what capers are, you may have eaten capers the last time you ordered chicken piccata from a restaurant.
- Lemon - You'll be using the lemon for fresh lemon juice. If you have extra lemon leftover, you could garnish your baked panko cod with some lemon zest and lemon wedges.
- Dried dill weed
- Garlic powder
- Salt & black pepper
*Ingredient quantities are found in the recipe card below.
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
- 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 paper towels. Season the pieces of cod with salt and black pepper.
- In a small bowl, mix the panko 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 fish fillets with the mayo mixture. Spread the mayonnaise out on the fish 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. The cooking time my vary slightly depending on the thickness of your cod filets.
Serving suggestions
Serve baked panko cod with a light garden salad, sautéed fresh vegetables, mashed potatoes, baked potatoes, French fries, roasted vegetables or rice pilaf. Of course, don't forget the tartar sauce when serving fish!
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
Recipe variations
Slight variations to this panko baked cod recipe include adding a little grated parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb mixture, serving the dish with a sprinkling of fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon.
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!"
📖 Recipe
Baked Panko Cod with Lemon and Dill
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.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1.5 - 2 pounds cod filets
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ½ 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!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: lunch, dinner
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: baked panko cod
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Did you make this recipe? Tell me all about it in the comments below! I love hearing from my followers and answering any of your questions!
Ann Utley
I made this as directed I did not care for the capers or the mustard or garlic too much different flavors overpowered the taste of the delicate flavor if the cod.
Katie
This is one of my favorites!
★★★★★
Tara S
Soooo good! Just make it!!
Jill
Great recipe! I'm always looking for easy seafood dinners and this really hit the spot!
★★★★★
Courtney
I love the addition of panko!
★★★★★
Brianna May
I made this cod for dinner last night. Will definitely be adding it into my dinner rotation! So delicious!
★★★★★
Jessica
This turned out great!! Not only did I enjoy it but so did my kids and husband. AND that doesn't happen often. That being said, I will be making this again. Thanks!
Marysa
This sounds like such a wonderful combination between the dill and lemon and fish. A nice and easy recipe the whole family can enjoy.
Sheila
I made this tonight, it was awesome! Thanks for sharing your recipe.
Katie
I'm so glad you liked it Sheila! Thanks for letting me know!