Description
Flaky cod fillets topped with a creamy sun-dried tomato and basil mixture, finished with a crispy panko crust and baked until golden brown.
Ingredients
- 600 g cod fillets (about 1.3 lbs)
- 1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 150 g cream cheese (about 5.3 oz), softened
- 0.5 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, finely chopped, plus extra for garnish
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest, plus extra for garnish
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt, divided
- 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
Instructions
- Prep Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make Cream Cheese Topping: In a food processor, combine the softened cream cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, 2 tablespoons basil, minced garlic, half of the salt (0.5 teaspoon), and half of the pepper (0.25 teaspoon). Process until smooth and creamy. Reserve 2 tablespoons of this mixture for garnish.
- Prepare and Season Cod: Pat the cod fillets thoroughly dry with paper towels. Season both sides of the fillets lightly with the remaining salt and pepper.
- Top with Cream Cheese Mixture: Spread an even layer of the sun-dried tomato and basil cream cheese mixture (excluding the reserved portion) over the top side of each cod fillet.
- Prepare Panko Crust: In a shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil and the lemon zest. Toss well to coat the panko evenly with oil.
- Apply Crust and Bake: Gently press the oil-coated panko mixture firmly onto the cream cheese layer on each cod fillet. Place the crusted cod fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the panko crusts. (For a crispier bottom, place fillets on a wire rack over the baking sheet).
- Bake and Check for Doneness: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, and the panko crust is golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
- Plate and Garnish: Transfer the baked cod to individual serving plates. Garnish with a small drizzle of the reserved cream cheese mixture, additional fresh basil leaves, and lemon zest.
Notes
To achieve a crispy crust, ensure the cod fillets are patted very dry before seasoning. For even cooking, use center-cut fillets. If fillets are thicker than 1.5 inches, increase baking time by 3-5 minutes. You can substitute haddock or pollock for the cod.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet (approx. 150g)
- Calories: 480 calories
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg