Boston Baked Cod
A quick and flavorful Boston Baked Cod recipe perfect for a nutritious and satisfying dinner. This classic New England dish features tender, flaky cod fillets topped with a buttery, herb-infused breadcrumb crust that bakes to golden perfection. Ideal for busy weeknights or any time you crave a comforting, light seafood meal.
- Author: James
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 22-25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: New England
- Diet: Gluten Free (use gluten-free breadcrumbs)
Main Ingredients
- 4 fresh cod fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Juice of half a lemon
- Optional: ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot enough to bake the cod and crisp the breadcrumb topping.
- Prepare the Cod Fillets: Pat the fresh cod fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to add brightness.
- Make the Topping: Melt the unsalted butter. In a bowl, combine the melted butter with plain breadcrumbs, finely chopped parsley, minced garlic, and optional Parmesan cheese until a crumbly, butter-soaked mixture forms.
- Assemble the Dish: Lightly butter a baking dish and place the seasoned cod fillets inside. Spread the breadcrumb topping evenly over each fillet, ensuring full coverage for a delightful crust.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake the cod in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and the topping is golden brown and crispy.
- Rest and Serve: Let the baked cod rest for a couple of minutes out of the oven to allow flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
- Choose fresh cod fillets that are firm and translucent without a strong fishy odor.
- Drying the cod well before seasoning helps the topping adhere better and crisp nicely.
- Use fresh herbs for the brightest and most vibrant flavor.
- Keep a close eye during baking to prevent overcooking, which can dry out the fish.
- For extra crunch, lightly toast the breadcrumbs before mixing with butter.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet (approx. 6 oz)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Boston Baked Cod, baked cod recipe, New England seafood, healthy fish recipe, easy seafood dinner, cod with breadcrumb topping