Description
This Garlic Lemon Cod recipe features tender cod fillets topped with a crispy quinoa crust infused with garlic, lemon, and Parmesan. Baked to perfection, it offers a flavorful and healthful seafood dish that’s quick and easy to prepare, perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cod Fillets
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
For the Quinoa Crust
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s ready to bake the cod fillets evenly and produce a crispy crust.
- Prepare the Cod Fillets: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Brush this mixture generously on both sides of each cod fillet to infuse flavor and help the crust adhere.
- Make the Quinoa Crust: In another bowl, combine cooked quinoa, grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and chopped fresh parsley. Mix well to create the coating that will add texture and flavor.
- Coat the Cod Fillets: Press the quinoa mixture firmly onto the top of each cod fillet, creating an even crust layer that will become crispy when baked.
- Prepare for Baking: Place the coated fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Lightly spray the top of each crust with cooking spray to promote browning and crispiness during baking.
- Bake the Cod: Bake the fillets in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through (flakes easily with a fork) and the quinoa crust is golden brown and crispy.
Notes
- Patting the cod dry is important to help the topping stick better and to avoid sogginess.
- You can substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs if you require a gluten-free dish.
- If you don’t have cooked quinoa on hand, quinoa cooks quickly in about 15 minutes and can be prepared in advance.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
