Description
This Garlic Lemon Cod with Crispy Quinoa Crust is a delicious and healthy seafood dish featuring flaky cod fillets brushed with a flavorful lemon garlic olive oil mixture and topped with a crunchy quinoa, Parmesan, and breadcrumb crust. Baked to golden perfection, it offers a perfect balance of tangy, savory flavors and a satisfying crispy texture in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Fish and Marinade
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Crispy Quinoa Crust
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Additional
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the cod to a perfect finish.
- Prepare the Cod Fillets: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Brush this marinade evenly over both sides of each cod fillet to infuse flavor and help the crust stick.
- Make the Quinoa Crust: In another bowl, mix the cooked quinoa, grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and chopped fresh parsley until well combined. This mixture will create the crispy topping for the fish.
- Coat the Fillets: Press the quinoa mixture firmly onto the top side of each cod fillet, ensuring it sticks well to form a crust during baking.
- Prepare for Baking: Place the coated fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Lightly spray the crusted side of the fillets with cooking spray to aid browning and crispiness.
- Bake the Cod: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cod is cooked through (opaque and flakes easily) and the quinoa crust is golden brown and crispy.
Notes
- Ensure the cod fillets are patted dry to help the marinade and crust adhere better.
- Cook quinoa in advance to save time; it should be cooled before mixing.
- You can substitute Parmesan with a vegetarian hard cheese if needed.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to taste preference.
- For an extra crispy crust, broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
