★★★★★
5.00 (8 reviews)

Parmesan Crusted Cod with Thyme

Géraldine Leverd
By Géraldine Leverd
•
September 12, 2023
Parmesan Crusted Cod with Thyme

This recipe for Parmesan Crusted Cod with Thyme is perfect for a quick and healthy meal. The crispy texture of the parmesan crust sublimates the delicate taste of the cod, making this neutral white fish extremely tasty, to the delight of the whole family!

Four pieces of baked fish with breadcrumb topping are garnished with lemon zest and thyme, served with a refreshing grilled zucchini salad, all presented on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

List of Ingredients

This is one of the quickest and easiest ways to prepare fresh cod fillets in the oven, with just a few ingredients. In less than 30 minutes, you can make this easy fish recipe, ideal for busy weeknights.

Les ingrédients pour un plat de filet de morue comprennent des filets de morue, de la chapelure, du parmesan, de l'huile d'olive, du citron, du thym, de l'ail, du sel et du poivre, disposés sur une surface plane.
  • Cod fillets: Use fresh fish fillets for best results, but frozen fillets also work, if thawed first. You can also use other white fish.
  • Breadcrumbs or Panko: I like to use Japanese breadcrumbs, called Panko, which add a light, crunchy texture, but classic breadcrumbs also work well.
  • Parmesan: Freshly grated parmesan to enhance the crust and bind the ingredients together.
  • Garlic: Use garlic cloves or, failing that, garlic powder.
  • Olive oil: I use extra-virgin olive oil to make the crust even crispier. You can also use avocado oil or another vegetable oil.
  • Lemon: Add zest to the crust and wedges to accompany.
  • Thyme: Fresh thyme is ideal. If you use dried thyme, reduce the quantity. For a milder flavor, substitute fresh parsley.

You’ll find the exact quantities in the recipe card.

Four pieces of baked cod fillets, topped with a crust of Parmesan breadcrumbs, lemon zest and herbs on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Parmesan Crusted Cod: Step by Step

  1. Prepare the fish: Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Pat the cod fillets dry, salt them and place them on the baking sheet or in a lightly oiled dish.
  2. Prepare the crust: Mix the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, lemon zest, thyme, garlic and pepper. Add the olive oil.
  3. Garnish the fish: Cover the fillets with the breadcrumb mixture. A little topping may fall off, but that’s okay.
  4. Baking: Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the crust is golden brown.

Géraldine’s tips

  1. Uniform crust: Top fish fillets evenly with breadcrumbs for a crisp, uniform crust.
  2. Don’t overload baking tray: Leave space between cod fillets on the baking tray. Overloading can trap steam and lead to a soggy crust.
  3. Adjust cooking time: Cooking time may vary according to fillet thickness. If your fillets are thicker, you may need to extend the cooking time slightly to ensure they are cooked through.
A plate with a portion of cod en croûte, green beans and a lemon wedge.

More fish recipes

FAQ: Parmesan-crusted cod with thyme

How to store leftover Parmesan-crusted cod?

Store fish in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 48 hours. Serve cold, for example, with a salad for a quick meal.

How do you know when the cod is done?

The cod flesh should be opaque white and flake easily with a fork. For greater precision, use a thermometer: the fish is cooked when its internal temperature reaches 63°C (145°F).

How do you prevent the crust from becoming soggy?

For a crust that doesn’t get soggy and stays crisp, dry the fillets well before coating. Add the crust just before baking and serve immediately after cooking. Finally, don’t overload the baking tray to allow air to circulate.

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Recipe card

Parmesan Crusted Cod with Thyme

5.00 (8 reviews)
Flaky and light cod recipe
Four pieces of cabillaud en croûte, baked to perfection and garnished with lemon zest and herbs, are elegantly arranged on a parchment-lined baking tray.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings 4

Ingredients 

  • 4 cod fillets ( 6-7 oz (150-200 g) per fillet)
  • 3/4 cup Panko bread crumbs
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
  • 2 garlic cloves or garlic powder
  • 2 tbsp Olive oil
  • 1 Lemon , organic for the zest
  • 2 tbsp Fresh thyme or 2 tsp dried thyme
  • Black pepper

Decoration

  • Fresh thyme
  • Fresh lemon wedges

Instructions 

  1. Preheat the oven at 390 °F (200 °C). Line a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  2. Pat dry the cod filets with paper towels—season with salt on both sides.
  3. Place the fish filets on the prepared baking sheet.
  4. Mix panko crumbs, Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, fresh thyme, garlic, and black pepper in a small bowl. Add olive oil.
  5. Place the panko mixture on top of the fish. It doesn’t matter if it falls off.
  6. Bake for 12-15 minutes at 390 °F (200 °C) until the crust is golden brown.

Video

Nutrition facts

Calories: 267kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 69mg | Sodium: 265mg | Potassium: 712mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 281IU | Vitamin C: 22mg | Calcium: 143mg | Iron: 2mg
author
About me

Hi, I’m Géraldine!

I’m the face and the recipe developper behind La Cuisine de Géraldine. Cooking has been my biggest passion since childhood, and now that I’m living abroad, I’ve made it my mission to prove to you that French cuisine can be simple, healthy, quick, and modern all at once!

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5 from 8 votes

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