This easy Creamy Lemon Dill Baked Cod features tender, flaky cod fillets topped with a crispy, golden panko herb crust and smothered in a rich, velvety cream sauce.
Creamy Lemon Dill Baked Cod
If you are looking for a foolproof way to jazz up fish night, this Creamy Lemon Dill Baked Cod is exactly what you need. It hits all the right notes—tender, flaky white fish, a bright and velvety sauce, and a golden, buttery crunch on top that makes every single bite incredible.
Why You'll Love This Creamy Lemon Dill Baked Cod
The Perfect Texture: Highlighting the beautifully flaky texture of the fish against a crispy panko herb topping.
Rich & Bright Flavor: A light-yellow lemon dill sauce brings a luxurious, restaurant-style finish right to your kitchen table.
Quick & Simple: It looks fancy, but this baked cod recipe comes together with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekend dinner parties.
Ingredients
For the Baked Cod & Topping:
4 fresh cod fillets (about 6 ounces each)
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
2 tablespoons melted butter
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 fresh lemon, sliced into wheels and wedges for garnish
For the Creamy Lemon Dill Sauce:
1 tablespoon butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
Juice of 1/2 a fresh lemon
1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
Salt and white pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep and Preheat
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray or a little olive oil. Pat the cod fillets completely dry with a paper towel—this is the secret to getting that perfect, flaky baked cod texture without it becoming soggy. Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper.
2. Make the Crispy Herb Crust
In a small bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, chopped fresh parsley, chopped fresh dill, and melted butter until the mixture looks like wet sand. Evenly press a generous amount of this crispy panko herb topping onto the top of each cod fillet.
3. Bake the Fish
Place the seasoned fillets into your prepared baking dish. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fish. The cod is done when it easily flakes with a fork and the crumb topping has turned a beautiful golden-brown color.
4. Simmer the Velvety Sauce
While your fish is in the oven, whip up the cream sauce. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the broth and let it reduce by half. Turn the heat down to low, stir in the heavy cream and fresh lemon juice, and let it simmer gently until slightly thickened. Stir in the fresh dill and season with salt to taste.
5. Plate and Serve
To serve your Creamy Lemon Dill Baked Cod, ladle a generous pool of the warm cream sauce onto the bottom of a plate. Gently place a baked cod fillet right in the middle of the pool of creamy sauce. Garnish the top with a fresh lemon slice and a sprig of fresh dill for a gorgeous, vibrant finish. Enjoy immediately!
Comments
Post a Comment