Parmesan Crusted Cod

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Golden and crispy on the outside, tender and flaky on the inside—this Parmesan Crusted Cod is a deliciously simple way to elevate weeknight fish. A crisp, buttery coating of parmesan and panko turns mild white fish into a dish you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a casual dinner party, it’s sure to impress without the stress.

Unlike deep-fried fish, this version uses a shallow pan-fry method that delivers crunch without the grease. A touch of garlic and fresh parsley brings balance and brightness, while the parmesan adds a savory depth that makes each bite irresistible.

What Kind of Cod Should I Use?

Fresh or thawed-from-frozen cod fillets work well for this recipe. Look for fillets that are firm and have a mild, clean scent. Thicker fillets hold up better in the pan and deliver a juicier result. If using frozen, be sure to pat them dry thoroughly after thawing to help the coating stick.

Ingredients for the Parmesan Crusted Cod

• Cod fillets: The star of the dish. Mild, flaky, and perfect for coating.
• Parmesan cheese: Grated and savory, it forms a golden, flavorful crust.
• Panko breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs offer a crispier texture than regular ones.
• Garlic powder: Adds warm, aromatic depth to the crust.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning the fish and bringing out the natural flavors.
• Eggs: Help bind the coating to the fillets.
• All-purpose flour: Creates a dry base for the egg to adhere to.
• Olive oil or butter: For pan-frying until crispy and golden.
• Chopped parsley: Adds a pop of freshness and color to the finished dish.

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How To Make the Parmesan Crusted Cod

Step 1: Prep the Coating Stations

Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mix of panko, grated parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This setup makes it easy to dredge and coat each fillet evenly.

Step 2: Dredge the Cod

Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. Dip each fillet into the flour first, then the egg, and finally press into the parmesan-panko mixture, coating thoroughly on all sides.

Step 3: Heat the Skillet

Heat olive oil or a mix of oil and butter in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the cod fillets.

Step 4: Cook Until Golden

Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until the crust is golden and the fish flakes easily with a fork.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top and serve immediately with lemon wedges if desired.

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How to Serve and Store Parmesan Crusted Cod

Serve Parmesan Crusted Cod hot right out of the skillet for maximum crunch. It pairs beautifully with fresh salads, roasted vegetables, or creamy mashed potatoes. To store leftovers, let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best texture.

What to Serve With Parmesan Crusted Cod?

Lemon Garlic Green Beans

The brightness of lemon and garlic complements the savory crust of the cod.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

A classic side dish that balances the crisp texture of the fish.

Roasted Asparagus

Adds color and a slightly charred depth to the plate.

Caesar Salad

A crunchy, tangy salad is the perfect contrast to the warm fish.

Buttery Herb Rice

Light, fluffy rice infused with herbs makes a subtle backdrop.

Garlic Bread

Great for soaking up any juices or sauces.

Cucumber-Dill Yogurt Salad

Cool and refreshing to lighten the meal.

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Want More Fish Dinner Ideas?

If you love this Parmesan Crusted Cod, you’ll want to try these other standout seafood and fish recipes from ChefAlchemy:

• Grilled Cod with Roasted Tomatoes & Creamy Dill Sauce
• Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with Crispy Skin
• Shrimp Broccoli Alfredo: Creamy, Comforting, and Crave-Worthy
• Cajun Shrimp with Garlic Butter Sauce
• Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

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