
Crispy Parmesan Herb Crusted Cod with Lemon Caper Butter Sauce
Ready to elevate dinner tonight? This crispy Parmesan herb-crusted cod is pure magic—golden, flavorful, and perfectly flaky. Topped with a zesty lemon caper butter sauce, it’s a restaurant-worthy dish you can whip up at home. Let’s dive into this deliciousness together!
4.5 out of 5 (2 ratings)

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Servings
4 servings
Cuisine
American
Ingredients
- •4 cod fillets (6 oz each)
- •1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- •1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- •2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- •1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
- •1 teaspoon garlic powder
- •1/2 teaspoon paprika
- •1/2 teaspoon salt
- •1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- •1/4 cup flour
- •2 large eggs, beaten
- •2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- •1 tablespoon olive oil
- •3 tablespoons butter (for sauce)
- •2 tablespoons capers, drained
- •1 clove garlic, minced
- •1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- •1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- •Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 2
In a shallow dish, mix together panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, parsley, thyme, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- 3
Place flour in a separate shallow dish and beaten eggs in another dish.
- 4
Dredge each cod fillet in the flour, shaking off excess. Dip into the beaten eggs, then press into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring an even coating.
- 5
Heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- 6
Place the cod fillets in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- 7
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cod is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- 8
While the fish bakes, prepare the lemon caper butter sauce. In a small saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- 9
Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, until fragrant. Stir in the capers and lemon juice and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- 10
Remove the cod from the oven and drizzle the lemon caper butter sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Nutrition Information
Calories
320 calories
Protein
26g
Carbs
18g
Fat
18g
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of fish instead of cod?
A: Yes, you can substitute cod with other white fish like haddock, tilapia, or halibut. Make sure the fillets are of similar thickness to ensure even cooking. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the type of fish used.
Q: What can I use as a substitute for panko breadcrumbs?
A: If you don’t have panko breadcrumbs, you can use regular breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or even crushed cornflakes for a similar crispy texture. However, panko provides the lightest and crispiest coating.
Q: How do I know when the cod is fully cooked?
A: The cod is fully cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). If you're unsure, use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the fillet.
Q: Can I make the lemon caper butter sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the lemon caper butter sauce up to a few hours in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and gently reheat it on the stovetop over low heat before serving. Stir occasionally to ensure the butter doesn't separate.
Q: What is the best way to store leftovers?
A: Store leftover cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the fillets on a baking sheet in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the coating soggy.
Q: What can I serve with this dish?
A: This dish pairs well with a variety of sides such as roasted vegetables, steamed asparagus, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad. For a more complete meal, you can also serve it over rice or quinoa to soak up the lemon caper butter sauce.
Q: Why is my breadcrumb coating not sticking to the cod?
A: If the breadcrumb coating isn’t sticking, ensure you follow the dredging process correctly: coat the cod in flour first, then dip it in the beaten eggs, and finally press it firmly into the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure the fillets are dry before starting, as excess moisture can prevent the coating from adhering properly.
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