Description
This Garlic Lemon Cod with Crispy Quinoa Crust is a flavorful and healthy seafood dish featuring tender cod fillets coated in a zesty garlic-lemon marinade and topped with a crunchy quinoa, Parmesan, and breadcrumb crust. Perfectly baked to a golden crisp, this meal combines fresh herbs and citrus with a nutritious twist of quinoa for a satisfying, elegant dinner ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect baking temperature while you prepare the cod.
- Prepare the Cod: Pat the cod fillets dry thoroughly with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Brush this mixture evenly on both sides of each cod fillet to infuse flavor.
- Make the Quinoa Crust: In another bowl, combine cooked quinoa, grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and chopped fresh parsley. Mix well and firmly press this mixture onto the top side of each cod fillet, creating a crispy crust layer.
- Prepare for Baking: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Place the coated cod fillets on the sheet, crust side up. Lightly spray the crust tops with cooking spray to help achieve a golden, crispy finish.
- Bake the Cod: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, and the crust is golden brown and crisp.
Notes
- Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the cod fillets.
- Use freshly cooked quinoa that is cooled for best results in the crust mixture.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic-lemon marinade.
- If you do not have cooked quinoa, cook according to package instructions before starting the recipe.
- Ensure the cod is thoroughly dried before applying the marinade for optimal crust adherence.
