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Zesty Crunch Garlic Lemon Cod Recipe

4.5 from 73 reviews

Zesty Crunch Garlic Lemon Cod features tender cod fillets marinated in a bright garlic lemon mixture, topped with a crispy quinoa and panko breadcrumb crust, baked to golden perfection. This flavorful and healthy seafood dish is quick to prepare and makes a perfect weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cod:

  • 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Crispy Quinoa Crust:

  • 1 cup cooked quinoa
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter or olive oil
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
  2. Prepare the Cod Marinade: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Place the cod fillets in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Allow the fillets to marinate for 15-20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  3. Make the Crispy Quinoa Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine cooked quinoa, panko breadcrumbs, smoked paprika, garlic powder, melted butter or olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Stir thoroughly until the quinoa is evenly coated and the mixture is uniform.
  4. Coat the Cod: Place the marinated cod fillets onto the prepared baking dish. Press the quinoa mixture evenly on top of each fillet to form a firm crust layer.
  5. Bake the Cod: Bake the cod in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and the quinoa crust turns golden brown and crispy.
  6. Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let the cod cool for a minute. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot with lemon wedges for an extra zesty touch.

Notes

  • For best results, use fresh cod fillets that are evenly sized for uniform cooking.
  • Cook quinoa ahead of time or use leftover quinoa to save preparation time.
  • You can substitute butter with olive oil to keep the dish dairy-free.
  • Adjust seasoning and lemon juice according to your taste preference.
  • This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or a light salad.

Keywords: cod recipe, baked cod, quinoa crust, garlic lemon fish, healthy seafood dish, crispy fish crust