Description
This Everything Bagel Panko Cod recipe features tender cod fillets coated in a flavorful, crunchy panko crust blended with everything bagel seasoning and herbs. Baked atop a bed of juicy cherry tomatoes, this dish delivers a perfect balance of textures and fresh flavors, making it an elegant and easy weeknight dinner option.
Ingredients
Scale
Seafood
- 2 pounds (907 g) cod filets (about five filets)
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 shallot, minced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup (149 g) cherry tomatoes
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup (60 g) panko bread crumbs
- ½ cup (50 g) parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon everything bagel seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon coarse black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
Liquids & Fats
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 4 tablespoons (56 g) unsalted butter, divided (2 tbsp melted, 2 tbsp softened)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Seasonings
- Pinch of salt
- Extra black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prep Cod & Oven: Pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Preheat your oven to 350 °F (177 °C) to ensure an even bake.
- Make Panko Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the panko bread crumbs, minced garlic, lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of melted butter, paprika, black pepper, dried basil, minced shallot, parmesan cheese, and everything bagel seasoning. Stir until the ingredients are evenly mixed, then pour the mixture into a shallow dish ready for breading.
- Prepare Tomato Bed: In a casserole dish, add olive oil and cherry tomatoes. Toss or swirl to coat the tomatoes evenly, then season with a pinch of salt and black pepper for enhanced flavor.
- Portion and Butter Cod: Slice each cod filet horizontally into approximately 3-inch portions for uniform cooking. Brush all sides of each cod piece with the remaining softened butter to help the crust adhere better.
- Bread the Cod: Dip both sides of each buttered cod piece into the prepared panko-herb mixture, pressing gently to ensure a thorough and even coating.
- Arrange and Bake: Place the breaded cod fillets on top of the seasoned cherry tomatoes in the casserole dish. Transfer the dish to the center rack of the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cod is cooked through and the crust is a golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the baked cod from the oven and generously sprinkle with freshly chopped basil. Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- Patting the cod dry is essential for the crust to stick well.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor impact.
- Adjust seasoning according to preference, especially the salt and pepper.
- Cutting the cod into smaller portions ensures even cooking.
- For a crispier crust, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking but watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently in an oven or air fryer to maintain crispness.
