Description
A quick and easy 15-minute weeknight dinner featuring cod fillets coated in a crunchy panko crust and topped with a bright, zesty lemon caper butter sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs cod fillets (fresh or frozen, thawed)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- Black pepper to taste
- Olive oil spray
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Pat cod fillets thoroughly dry with paper towels to ensure crispiness.
- Season both sides of the cod with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
- Set up a breading station: beat eggs in one shallow bowl and place panko in another.
- Dredge each fillet in the egg wash, letting excess drip off, then press firmly into the panko to coat all sides.
- Place breaded cod on the prepared baking sheet.
- Lightly spray the tops with olive oil or brush with oil.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- While fish bakes, melt butter in a small skillet over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add lemon juice and capers, simmer for 1 minute.
- Remove from heat and stir in chopped parsley.
- Serve the crispy cod immediately, drizzled generously with the lemon caper butter sauce.
Notes
Ensure cod is very dry before coating to prevent steaming. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. For best results, use Japanese-style panko breadcrumbs. The sauce is best made fresh while the fish bakes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet with sauce
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 25
Keywords: crispy baked cod, lemon caper butter sauce, weeknight dinner, easy fish recipe, healthy seafood, panko crusted fish, 15 minute meals