Description
How to make Boston baked cod with herbs, lemon, and breadcrumbs that’s flaky, tender, and bursting with New England coastal flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Fresh Fish
- 2 pounds fresh cod fillets, skin removed
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Breadcrumb Topping
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Flavor Base
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
Instructions
- Prep Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil. This temperature ensures perfectly cooked fish without drying out.
- Season Fish: Pat cod fillets completely dry with paper towels, then season both sides with salt and pepper. Let rest for 10 minutes to allow seasoning to penetrate.
- Make Topping: Combine panko, parsley, melted butter, garlic, and thyme in a bowl. Mix until breadcrumbs are evenly coated and mixture holds together when squeezed lightly.
- Prepare Base: Heat olive oil in your baking dish directly on the stovetop. Add sliced onions and cook 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant but not browned.
- Add Liquids: Remove dish from heat and stir in lemon juice, zest, white wine, and capers. This aromatic mixture will steam the fish and infuse incredible flavor.
- Assemble Dish: Nestle seasoned cod fillets into the onion mixture, then top each piece generously with breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to help topping adhere to fish.
- Bake Perfectly: Bake 18-20 minutes until fish flakes easily and topping is golden brown. Internal temperature should reach 145°F for perfectly cooked, tender Boston Baked Cod.
Notes
- Pat fish completely dry before seasoning or breadcrumbs won’t adhere properly.
- Store leftovers in refrigerator for maximum 2 days for food safety.
- Substitute panko with regular breadcrumbs if needed, but texture will be denser.
- Serve immediately for crispiest breadcrumb topping and best texture.
- Use fresh lemon juice rather than bottled for brightest, most vibrant flavor.
- Choose cod fillets of even thickness for uniform cooking throughout.
Allergy Information: Gluten, Dairy
Nutrition
- Calories: 285 calories
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Protein: 36g