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Zesty Crunch Garlic Lemon Cod Recipe

Zesty Crunch Garlic Lemon Cod Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 5 reviews

This Zesty Crunch Garlic Lemon Cod recipe offers a delightful combination of tender cod fillets marinated in garlic and lemon, topped with a crispy quinoa crust infused with smoked paprika and garlic powder. Baked to golden perfection, it’s a healthy and flavorful dinner option that’s quick to prepare and sure to impress.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cod:

  • 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Crispy Quinoa Crust:

  • 1 cup cooked quinoa
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter or olive oil
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
  2. Prepare the Cod Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Place the cod fillets in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Let the fish marinate for 15-20 minutes to absorb the vibrant flavors.
  3. Make the Crispy Quinoa Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine cooked quinoa, panko breadcrumbs, smoked paprika, garlic powder, melted butter or olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Stir well until the mixture is evenly coated and crumbly.
  4. Coat the Cod: Arrange the marinated cod fillets on the prepared baking dish. Press the quinoa mixture firmly onto the top of each fillet, forming an even crust layer.
  5. Bake the Cod: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cod flakes easily with a fork, and the quinoa crust is golden-brown and crispy.
  6. Serve: Remove from oven and let the cod rest for a minute. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot with a lemon wedge on the side for an extra zesty burst.

Notes

  • You can substitute cod with other white fish like haddock or tilapia if preferred.
  • Ensure quinoa is cooled before mixing to prevent the crust from becoming soggy.
  • For a dairy-free version, use olive oil instead of melted butter.
  • Adjust seasoning according to taste, especially salt and pepper.
  • Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a light salad for a complete balanced meal.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic lemon cod, quinoa crust fish, baked cod recipe, healthy fish dinner, crispy quinoa crust, lemon garlic seafood

Find it online: https://messykitchenmagic.com/zesty-crunch-garlic-lemon-cod-recipe/