Description
This Everything Bagel Panko Cod recipe is a flavorful and crispy baked fish dish featuring cod filets coated with a savory mixture of panko breadcrumbs, parmesan, and everything bagel seasoning. Baked on a bed of seasoned cherry tomatoes, this dish is a delicious, easy-to-make dinner option boasting a golden crust and fresh basil garnish.
Ingredients
Scale
Fish and Coating
- 2 pounds (907 g) cod filets (about five filets)
- 1 shallot, minced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 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
- 4 tablespoons (56 g) unsalted butter, divided (2 tbsp melted, 2 tbsp softened)
Vegetables and Seasoning
- 1 cup (149 g) cherry tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Pinch of salt and extra pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep Cod & Oven: Pat the cod fillets dry thoroughly with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture, which helps the coating stick better. Preheat your oven to 350 °F (177 °C) for an ideal baking environment.
- 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. Mix well until the ingredients are evenly distributed, then transfer the mixture to a shallow dish for breading.
- Prepare Tomato Bed: In a casserole dish, add the olive oil and cherry tomatoes. Toss or swirl the tomatoes gently to ensure they are evenly coated with olive oil. Season the tomatoes with a pinch of salt and black pepper for added flavor.
- Portion and Butter Cod: Slice each cod filet horizontally into 3-inch segments to create even portions for consistent cooking. Brush all sides of the cod pieces generously with the remaining 2 tablespoons of softened butter; this helps the panko coating adhere better and adds flavor.
- Bread the Cod: Dip each buttered cod piece into the prepared panko-herb mixture, pressing gently on both sides to form an even, thick coating, ensuring the crust will be crispy and flavorful after baking.
- Arrange and Bake: Lay the breaded cod pieces carefully on top of the seasoned cherry tomatoes in the casserole dish in a single layer. Place the dish onto the center rack of the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. Bake until the cod is fully cooked through, easily flaking with a fork, and the breaded crust achieves a golden brown color.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole dish from the oven. Sprinkle fresh chopped basil generously over the cod and tomatoes to introduce a fresh herbal aroma and flavor. Serve the dish hot for the best taste and texture experience.
Notes
- Patting the cod dry is essential to ensure the panko mixture adheres well and the coating crisps up nicely during baking.
- Cutting the cod into smaller portions helps cook the fish evenly and speeds up baking time.
- Using softened and melted butter in the coating adds richness and helps develop a crisp crust.
- The cherry tomatoes create a juicy base that keeps the fish moist and adds a fresh, tangy contrast to the savory crust.
- Fresh basil garnish brightens the dish and provides aromatic balance.
- Ensure the oven is fully preheated before baking for optimal results.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the panko mix.
