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Crispy Parmesan Crusted Cod Recipe with Creamy Tartar Sauce

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A quick and easy recipe featuring tender cod fillets with a golden, crispy Parmesan crust paired with a tangy, creamy tartar sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz/170 g each, skinless and boneless) – fresh or thawed
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (Parmigiano-Reggiano recommended)
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 large eggs, beaten (room temperature)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Juice of half a lemon (optional)
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped dill pickles
  • 1 tablespoon capers, drained and chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill or parsley, finely chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. In a shallow dish, combine Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  2. In another shallow bowl, beat the eggs until smooth.
  3. Pat dry the cod fillets with paper towels to remove moisture.
  4. Dip each cod fillet into the beaten eggs, letting excess drip off, then press firmly into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture to coat both sides evenly.
  5. Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking.
  6. Place the crusted fillets in the pan without overcrowding. Cook for 3-4 minutes on the first side without moving to let the crust set.
  7. Carefully flip the fillets using a fish spatula and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the crust is golden and the fish flakes easily with a fork (internal temperature 145°F/63°C).
  8. Transfer the fish to a plate and let rest for a couple of minutes. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top if desired.
  9. While the fish cooks, mix mayonnaise, chopped pickles, capers, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, dill, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  10. Serve the crispy Parmesan crusted cod with a generous dollop of creamy tartar sauce on the side, garnished with lemon wedges and fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

For extra crispiness, finish the fillets in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes after searing. Avoid flipping too early or too often to keep the crust intact. Use a fish spatula for gentle flipping. To make gluten-free, substitute panko with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. For dairy-free tartar sauce, replace mayonnaise with dairy-free yogurt or vegan mayo and omit Parmesan in the crust.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy cod, parmesan crusted fish, tartar sauce, quick fish recipe, easy dinner, baked cod, pan-seared cod, gluten-free fish recipe

Find it online: https://katedishes.com/crispy-parmesan-crusted-cod-recipe-with-creamy-tartar-sauce-easy-guide/