Ina Garten’s Zesty Garlic Herb Ritz Crumb Baked Cod Recipe

Seafood lovers rejoice as this delectable baked cod with garlic and herb Ritz crumbs recipe from Ina Garten promises a culinary adventure that sparkles with flavor.

The crispy, golden-brown topping adds a delightful crunch to the tender, flaky fish.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of rich, buttery goodness and aromatic herbs that dance on your palate.

The simplicity of the ingredients belies the impressive result waiting to emerge from your oven.

Minimal prep work means you can whip up this restaurant-quality dish in no time.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this mouthwatering seafood sensation that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Dive into this irresistible recipe and watch as your dinner table transforms into a gourmet experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 340 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients That Make Ina Garten’s Baked Cod with Ritz Crumbs Shine

• Olive Oil: Ensures even coating and prevents sticking, choose extra virgin for rich flavor.
• Salt: Enhances natural fish taste, select sea salt or kosher salt for better texture.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle warmth and depth, freshly ground provides more intense flavor.

• Cod Fillets: Delicate white fish with mild flavor, look for fresh, firm, and translucent fillets with no strong fishy odor.

• Ritz Crackers, Panko: Creates crispy golden crust, select fresh crackers for maximum crunchiness.
• Parsley: Adds fresh herbal brightness, choose vibrant green leaves with no wilting.
• Garlic: Provides aromatic depth, select firm cloves without sprouting.
• Lemon Zest: Brings citrusy brightness, use fresh lemons with smooth, unblemished skin.

• White Wine: Adds subtle complexity and acidity, choose dry varieties like sauvignon blanc.
• Lemon Juice: Provides tangy brightness, select ripe, heavy lemons with smooth skin.

• Melted Butter: Helps bind crumbs and adds rich flavor, use unsalted for better control.
• Lemon Wedges: Provides fresh citrus accent, choose symmetrical, plump lemons.

What to Have Ready for Ina Garten’s Herb-Ritz Crusted Cod

• Ceramic Baking Dish (9 × 9-inch): Essential for baking and holding the cod fillets with an even coating of oil.
• Small Bowl: Perfect for mixing the cracker crumb topping and combining ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring Spoons: Crucial for accurately measuring salt, pepper, and seasonings.
• Grater or Microplane: Needed to zest the lemon for bright, citrusy flavor.
• Pastry Brush (optional): Helpful for evenly coating the dish with olive oil.
• Knife: Useful for preparing lemon wedges and general prep work.

Ina Garten’s Baked Cod with Garlic & Herb Ritz Crumbs—Step by Step

• Oven Preparation

Set the oven to a toasty 400°F, getting ready for a delicious seafood adventure.

• Baking Dish Foundation

Drizzle olive oil into a ceramic dish, creating a slick base that’ll prevent sticking and add flavor.

• Cod Placement

Nestle the cod fillets into the oiled dish, showering them with salt and pepper for a flavor boost.

• Initial Baking

Let the fish start cooking for about 10 minutes, developing a tender foundation.

• Crumb Wonderland

Combine Ritz crackers, panko, fresh herbs, garlic, and zesty lemon with melted butter to create a crunchy crown.

• Liquid Magic

Splash white wine and bright lemon juice over the partially cooked fish, introducing moisture and depth.

• Crumb Topping

Gently press the herby, buttery crumb mixture onto the cod, creating a golden, crispy layer.

• Final Transformation

Return the dish to the oven, allowing the fish to finish cooking and the crumbs to turn a gorgeous golden brown.

• Serving Finale

Sprinkle a touch more salt, plate the cod with its savory juices, and garnish with sunny lemon wedges.

Flavor Swaps for Ina’s Crispy Crumbed Cod

• Swap Ritz crackers with butter crackers, panko, or breadcrumbs for a personalized crunchy topping that adds unique texture and flavor to your cod.
• Experiment with fresh herbs like dill, chives, or tarragon instead of parsley to create different aromatic profiles that complement the delicate fish perfectly.
• Replace white wine with dry vermouth, chicken broth, or even a splash of clam juice to enhance the seafood's natural taste and add depth to the cooking liquid.
• Prepare the crumb mixture and season the fish up to 4 hours in advance, keeping them separately refrigerated to save time and streamline dinner preparation.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, cayenne, or smoked paprika to the crumb mixture for a subtle kick that elevates the dish's overall flavor and excitement.

Serving Ideas for Ina Garten’s Baked Cod Creation

• Pair with Crisp Salad: Create a light, refreshing green salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette to complement the rich, buttery cod.
• Serve Over Fluffy Grains: Spoon the baked cod and its flavorful pan juices over steamed rice, quinoa, or couscous for a complete and satisfying meal.
• Add Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle extra chopped parsley or chives on top to brighten the dish and add a pop of fresh color and flavor.
• Accompany with Roasted Vegetables: Roast some asparagus, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts alongside the cod to create a nutritious and well-balanced dinner plate.

Tips on Storing Ina Garten’s Garlic-Crusted Cod

• Maximize Freshness: Refrigerate leftover baked cod in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The crispy crumb topping might soften slightly but will still taste delicious.
• Quick Reheat Strategy: Warm gently in the oven at 325°F for 8-10 minutes to maintain fish's delicate texture and prevent drying out. Avoid microwave reheating to preserve quality.
• Smart Prep Technique: Assemble crumb mixture and prepare fish up to 4 hours ahead. Keep separately covered in the refrigerator, then combine just before baking for maximum crispness.
• Freezing Guidelines: Wrap uncooked seasoned cod tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before baking, adding 2-3 extra minutes to cooking time.

Crispy Baked Cod With Garlic & Herb Ritz Crumbs Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s baked cod with garlic & herb Ritz crumbs elevates simple seafood with crispy, herbed breadcrumbs. Delicate fish meets crunchy topping, creating a quick weeknight dinner that delights with Mediterranean coastal charm.

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Ingredients

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• 4 cod fillets, center-cut, boneless, skinless (6 to 8 oz / 170 to 227 g each)
• 3 tbsps (45 g) unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup (60 g) Ritz cracker crumbs (15 crackers)
• ⅓ cup (35 g) panko (Japanese bread flakes)
• ¼ cup (60 ml) dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) minced fresh parsley
• 2 tsps (10 ml) minced garlic (2 cloves)
• 1 tsp (5 ml) grated lemon zest
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Good olive oil
• Lemon wedges, for serving

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Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C), positioning rack in the center for even heat distribution.
2. Dish Setup: Coat a 9 × 9-inch ceramic baking dish with olive oil, creating a smooth foundation for the cod fillets.
3. Fish Preparation: Arrange cod fillets in the dish, ensuring complete olive oil coverage, then season thoroughly with salt and ground black pepper.
4. Initial Baking: Roast the seasoned fish for 10 minutes, allowing initial flavor development and partial cooking.
5. Crispy Topping Creation: Blend Ritz cracker crumbs, panko breadcrumbs, parsley, garlic, lemon zest, and salt in a mixing bowl, creating a complex flavor profile.
6. Crumb Moisture: Integrate melted butter into the crumb mixture, ensuring a cohesive and clinging texture that will adhere perfectly to the fish.
7. Liquid Enhancement: Extract partially cooked cod from the oven, then splash white wine and fresh lemon juice over the fillets, developing a rich, aromatic base.
8. Crumb Application: Delicately press the prepared crumb mixture onto the fish, guaranteeing complete and even coverage while allowing some crumbs to meld with the developing sauce.
9. Final Baking: Return the dish to the oven, continuing to bake for 12 minutes until the cod is fully cooked and the topping achieves a golden, crisp exterior.
10. Serving: Transfer the fish to serving plates, drizzle with pan juices, and garnish with fresh lemon wedges for a vibrant, zesty presentation.

Notes

• Crumb Coating Technique: Mix dry and wet ingredients thoroughly to create a cohesive, crunchy topping that sticks perfectly to the fish without falling off during baking.
• Wine Selection Matters: Choose a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to enhance the fish’s delicate flavor without overpowering the herbs and garlic.
• Moisture Management: Drizzling wine and lemon juice creates a flavorful sauce that keeps the cod tender and prevents it from drying out during the cooking process.
• Precision Timing is Key: Watch the fish closely during the final 12 minutes to achieve a golden-brown crumb topping without burning, ensuring a crispy exterior and perfectly cooked fish.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 340
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg