If you're on the hunt for a light, flavorful, and satisfying seafood dinner that doesn't require a culinary degree to pull off, these Garlic Butter Cod Fillets with Crispy Panko Topping are your answer. The flaky, mild cod soaks up a rich garlic butter sauce, then gets topped with golden, crunchy panko for the perfect contrast in texture. Whether you're new to fish recipes or just looking to refresh your rotation of cod dinner ideas, this dish brings restaurant-level quality to your home kitchen with minimal effort.
Plus, it’s incredibly versatile — pair it with a simple side salad, buttery mashed potatoes, or even pasta tossed in olive oil and lemon for a quick but elevated dinner. It's one of those creamy fish recipes that feels indulgent but remains light, fresh, and weeknight-friendly.
Garlic Butter Cod Fillets with Crispy Panko Topping
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 18 minutes mins
Total Time 28 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Oven-safe baking dish or sheet pan A glass or ceramic baking dish works well. Alternatively, use a rimmed sheet pan lined with parchment paper.
Small saucepan For making the garlic butter sauce.
Mixing bowl To prepare the panko topping.
Pastry brush (optional) For brushing garlic butter evenly over the fish.
Zester or microplane For fresh lemon zest.
Measuring Spoons For accuracy in flavoring.
For the Cod
- 4 cod fillets about 6 oz each – fresh or thawed if frozen
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Juice of half a lemon
For the Garlic Butter Sauce
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley optional, for color
For the Crispy Panko Topping
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter melted
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese optional
Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly oil or spray your baking dish or sheet pan to prevent sticking. Pat your cod fillets dry with paper towels. This helps them roast instead of steam.
Season the Cod
Place the cod fillets in the baking dish, spaced out evenly. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper. Set aside while you prepare the garlic butter.
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, but not browned. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and chopped parsley. Remove from heat. The aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water — this is the same kind of garlic butter sauce for seafood that elevates everything from shrimp to lobster.
Prepare the Panko Topping
In a mixing bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and Parmesan cheese if using. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand — this ensures it’ll crisp up nicely in the oven.
Assemble
Brush or spoon half of the garlic butter over the cod fillets. Then, sprinkle the panko mixture evenly over each fillet, pressing it down lightly so it sticks. Drizzle the remaining garlic butter on top.
Bake
Transfer to the preheated oven and bake for 15–18 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish. The cod should flake easily with a fork and the topping should be golden brown.
If you want the panko to be extra crispy, turn on the broiler for the last 1–2 minutes — just keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.
Serve
Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and lemon wedges on the side. A final squeeze of lemon really makes the garlic butter pop.
Pairings
This dish is wonderfully versatile and works with many sides. Here are some ideas to round out your meal:
Starches
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Lemon herb rice
- Garlic butter pasta (for a cod pasta dish that’s light yet satisfying)
- Crusty sourdough or garlic bread
Vegetables
- Roasted asparagus or green beans
- Steamed broccoli with lemon
- Mixed greens with vinaigrette
- Grilled zucchini or summer squash
Wine Pairing
A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully. If you prefer something richer, Chardonnay complements the buttery flavors well.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen cod fillets?
Yes, just make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry before cooking. Excess moisture can prevent the topping from crisping and cause the fish to steam.
2. What kind of cod should I use?
For the best results, use fresh Atlantic cod or alaskan cod. These are widely available and have a flaky texture that pairs well with the garlic butter and panko. If you're experimenting with a black cod recipe, keep in mind that black cod (also called sablefish) is richer and oilier, and may cook faster.
3. Can I make this with other types of fish?
Definitely. This recipe works well with haddock, halibut, or tilapia. It’s a flexible base for many easy fish recipes — just adjust the cook time based on thickness.
4. Is this a good baked cod recipe for beginners?
Absolutely. It’s one of the easiest baked cod recipes oven easy enough for weeknights but still elegant enough for guests. No fancy cooking skills required.
5. Can I use this in a pasta dish?
Yes! Break up the fillets and toss them with cooked pasta, extra garlic butter sauce, and some wilted spinach or cherry tomatoes for an easy cod pasta that rivals any seafood pasta at a restaurant.
