Description
This Creamy Lemon Parmesan Cod is a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth seafood dish that’s full of flavor. Cod fillets are lightly coated, pan-seared to golden perfection, and finished in a creamy lemon sauce infused with garlic and Parmesan. It’s a simple yet elegant meal that’s easy to make and packed with protein.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cod:
- 1 lb (4 fillets) fresh cod
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for low-carb)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Parmesan Crust:
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (or crushed pork rinds for low-carb)
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
For the Creamy Lemon Sauce:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- ¼ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Cod
- Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
- Lightly coat the fillets in flour, shaking off any excess.
Step 2: Sear the Fish
- Heat 2 tbsp butter and 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the cod fillets and sear for 2 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Parmesan Crust
- In a small bowl, mix together breadcrumbs, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and parsley.
- Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the seared cod fillets.
Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Lemon Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir well and let simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Finish Cooking
- Return the cod fillets to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them.
- Reduce heat to low and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through (internal temperature of 145°F).
- Garnish with extra parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Make it Low-Carb: Use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour and crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs.
- Fish Substitutions: Works well with halibut, tilapia, haddock, or flounder.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a low oven (300°F) or on the stovetop over low heat.
- Extra Flavor Boost: Add capers or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a kick!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-seared
- Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: cod recipe, creamy lemon sauce, parmesan crusted cod, easy seafood dinner