Description
This Everything Bagel Panko Cod recipe features tender cod fillets coated in a crunchy, flavorful panko and everything bagel seasoning crust baked atop a bed of seasoned cherry tomatoes. Garnished with fresh basil, it offers a delightful balance of savory, herby, and fresh flavors in an easy, healthy baked fish dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Fish and Coating
- 2 pounds (907 g) cod fillets (about five fillets)
- 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)
- Pinch of salt and extra black pepper, to taste
Tomato Bed
- 1 cup (149 g) cherry tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Pinch of salt and black pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Prep Cod & Oven: Pat the cod fillets dry using a paper towel to remove any excess moisture which will help the breading stick better. Then preheat your oven to 350 °F (177 °C) to prepare for baking.
- 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 thoroughly until well combined. Transfer this mixture into a shallow dish for easier breading.
- Prepare Tomato Bed: In a casserole dish, add olive oil and cherry tomatoes. Toss or swirl the tomatoes until they are evenly coated in the oil. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper to enhance the flavor and set this dish aside.
- Portion and Butter Cod: Cut each cod fillet into approximately 3-inch pieces to ensure even cooking. Brush all sides of these cod pieces with the remaining softened butter; this will help the panko mixture adhere and add richness.
- Bread the Cod: Dip both sides of each buttered cod piece into the prepared panko-herb mixture. Press gently to make sure the coating sticks well and forms an even crust.
- Arrange and Bake: Place the breaded cod fillets on top of the seasoned cherry tomatoes in the casserole dish. Put the dish on the center rack in your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cod is cooked through and the crust is golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle generously with freshly chopped basil. Serve the cod hot to enjoy the crispy texture and vibrant flavors.
Notes
- Patting the cod dry is crucial for a crispy coating.
- Use fresh basil for garnish to add a bright, herbal finish.
- Adjust seasoning and everything bagel seasoning quantity to taste if preferred milder or spicier.
- The cherry tomatoes provide moisture that keeps the fish tender during baking.
- Leftover cod is best reheated gently to preserve crust texture.
