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One Pan Mediterranean Crispy Cod Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 109 reviews

This One Pan Mediterranean Crispy Cod recipe combines tender cod loins with vibrant Mediterranean flavors including campari tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and sun-dried tomatoes. The cod is topped with a crunchy, savory mixture of Ritz crackers, panko breadcrumbs, pecorino romano, and fresh herbs, then baked to perfection. A simple yet elegant dish perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or impressing guests with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Seafood

  • 2 10 oz bags frozen cod loins (4 pieces of cod), defrosted, room temperature, and patted completely dry

Vegetables & Fruits

  • 1 lb campari tomatoes, quartered
  • ½ a red onion, sliced
  • 1 ½ small lemons, divided
  • ½ cup marinated artichoke hearts, roughly chopped (drained but not squeezed dry)
  • ½ cup sundried tomatoes (drained but not squeezed dry)
  • 6 garlic cloves, sliced

Dry Ingredients & Spices

  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
  • ½ tsp salt, divided
  • 1 tsp cracked black pepper, divided
  • 6 – 7 basil leaves, ripped up
  • 14 Ritz crackers, crushed
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 – 3 tbsp freshly grated pecorino romano
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or dried parsley flakes)

Oils & Condiments

  • ⅓ cup olive oil
  • 3 tbsp melted butter
  • 4 tsp mayonnaise (1 tsp per piece of cod)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cod: Take the two bags of frozen cod loins out of the freezer earlier in the day, place them on a plate lined with a paper towel, and let them sit on the counter until fully defrosted and at room temperature. Pat the cod dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove any moisture. This step ensures the cod cooks evenly and the topping adheres well.
  2. Prepare the Vegetables: In a large baking dish, combine quartered campari tomatoes, sliced red onion, 1 lemon sliced into rounds, roughly chopped marinated artichoke hearts, and drained sun-dried tomatoes. Toss the veggies gently to mix.
  3. Make the Oil Mixture and Roast Vegetables: In a measuring cup or bowl, mix the olive oil with the zest and juice of half a lemon, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes until well combined. Pour this oil mixture over the vegetables in the baking dish and toss to coat everything evenly. Sprinkle ½ tsp cracked black pepper over the top, then scatter ripped basil leaves. Place the baking dish in a preheated oven at 415°F (213°C) and roast for 25 minutes. Once done, remove from the oven and set aside.
  4. Make the Crispy Topping: On a plate, combine crushed Ritz crackers, panko breadcrumbs, freshly grated pecorino romano, chopped parsley, ¼ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp cracked black pepper. Mix these dry ingredients together thoroughly. Pour the melted butter evenly over this mixture and stir until all crumbs are coated and clump slightly. Set aside.
  5. Assemble Cod with Topping: Arrange the room temperature, patted dry cod loins on top of the roasted vegetables in the baking dish with space between each piece. Sprinkle ¼ tsp salt and ¼ tsp cracked black pepper evenly over each cod loin. Squeeze about 1 teaspoon mayonnaise onto each piece and smooth it with a silicone brush or spatula to coat the surface. Finally, divide and evenly press the crispy topping mixture onto each cod piece so it adheres well.
  6. Bake the Cod: Return the baking dish to the oven, reduce the temperature to 400°F (204°C), and bake for 15 to 17 minutes, or until the cod is cooked through and the topping turns golden and crispy. Remove from the oven and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Ensure the cod is completely dry before topping to achieve maximum crispiness.
  • You can substitute fresh parsley with dried parsley flakes if fresh is unavailable.
  • The mayonnaise helps the topping stick and creates a moist barrier for the fish.
  • Serving suggestion: pair with a light green salad or crusty bread to soak up the juices.
  • For a dairy-free option, omit the pecorino romano and replace butter with olive oil.
  • If fresh basil is unavailable, fresh oregano or thyme can be used as alternatives.

Keywords: cod recipe, baked cod, Mediterranean fish recipe, crispy topping cod, one pan dinner, healthy cod dish

Find it online: https://kitchenwithkai.com/one-pan-mediterranean-crispy-cod-recipe/