Description
Ina Garten’s baked cod with panko brings Mediterranean coastal flavors straight to kitchen tables. Crispy golden panko creates a delicate crust over tender fish, offering an elegant dinner experience you can enjoy effortlessly.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 center-cut boneless, skinless cod fillets (6 to 8 ounces each)
- ½ cup Ritz cracker crumbs (15 crackers)
- ⅓ cup panko (Japanese bread flakes)
Seasoning and Herbs:
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic (2 cloves)
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Liquids and Accompaniments:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Good olive oil
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 400°F (204°C) and position a rack in the middle. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil across the surface of a 9 x 9-inch ceramic baking dish, ensuring complete bottom coverage by gently rotating the dish.
- Position cod fillets into the oiled dish, carefully turning them to coat both surfaces with olive oil. Generously sprinkle 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper across the fish.
- Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and roast the cod for precisely 10 minutes, allowing the fish to begin cooking and releasing its natural juices.
- While the fish roasts, create the crispy topping by combining crushed Ritz crackers, panko breadcrumbs, finely chopped fresh parsley, minced garlic, freshly grated lemon zest, and 1 teaspoon of salt in a medium mixing bowl.
- Pour melted butter into the cracker mixture, stirring thoroughly until the ingredients are evenly moistened and form a cohesive, slightly clumpy texture.
- Remove the partially cooked cod from the oven and immediately drizzle white wine and fresh lemon juice directly over the fillets, which will enhance the fish’s delicate flavor profile.
- Gently press the prepared crumb mixture onto the surface of each fillet, creating an even, slightly compact layer that will transform into a golden, crispy crust.
- Return the dish to the oven and continue baking for an additional 12 minutes, or until the fish is completely opaque, flakes easily with a fork, and the topping turns a rich, golden brown color.
Notes
- Olive oil acts as a protective layer, preventing the delicate cod from sticking to the baking dish and introducing a subtle fruity undertone.
- Salt and pepper work magic by enhancing the cod’s inherent flavors and creating a perfectly seasoned foundation.
- Ceramic baking dishes provide even heat distribution, ensuring the fish cooks uniformly without becoming dry or overcooked.
- Panko breadcrumbs deliver an irresistible crispy texture that transforms into a beautiful golden-brown topping.
- Garlic brings a savory depth that elevates the entire dish’s complexity and aroma.
- Melted butter serves as the binding agent, creating a luxurious golden crust that adds delightful crunch to the baked cod.
- Lemon zest cuts through the richness with a bright, citrusy punch that awakens all the flavors.
- White wine introduces a subtle acidic element that tenderizes the fish and enhances its natural qualities.
- Ritz crackers contribute a buttery, rich texture that perfectly complements the delicate cod.
- Freshly chopped parsley adds a vibrant green color and a fresh, herbal note to the crumb topping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 325 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg