Cod is one of the most versatile fishes to cook with, and one of the lightest too. This delicious lemon and walnut crusted cod only has 240 calories per serving. Not bad, aye?
This recipe was kind of a desperate fluke. Back in 2012 – on the day hurricane Sandy was slated to tear apart my home we frantically tore through our fridge and freezer in search of things we had to make that minute in case we lost power (which we did). Amist the stacks of Tupperware, I found a bag of walnuts in the fridge, one lemon on the verge of turning and huge filet of frozen cod. So, at 10am, I made us lemon crusted cod which we ate for breakfast. It was delicious, and has stuck with our dinner (more suitable) repertoire since.
The cod is perfectly flaky and buttery enough to melt in your mouth and the walnut crust gives each bite the perfect crunch. Plus, the addition of the lemon pepper adds the perfect zing to the more mild flavor of the fish. Even if you aren’t preparing for a massive hurricane, you should definitely make this.
Just maybe not for breakfast. Unless you are trading your coffee for white wine, and in that case, all bets are off.
Step by Step Guide to Making Lemon and Walnut Crusted Cod
Preparation:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a baking pan.
- Rinse cod fillets under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Place the fillets in the prepared baking pan.
- Evenly drizzle lemon juice over the cod fillets.
Creating the Crust:
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped parsley, lemon zest, breadcrumbs, and finely chopped walnuts. Season the mixture with a dash of salt and lemon pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Pour the melted butter into the walnut and breadcrumb mixture. Stir until the ingredients are well combined and the mixture becomes crumbly.
Applying the Crust and Baking:
- Spread about 2 tablespoons of the walnut mixture over one side of each cod fillet, pressing slightly to adhere.
- Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the cod is opaque, flakes easily with a fork, and the crust is golden brown.
Recipe Notes:
- Ensure your walnuts are finely chopped for a consistent crust.
- For a crispier crust, broil the fish for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end of baking.
- Lemon pepper seasoning adds an extra zing, adjust according to your taste.
- Serve with a wedge of lemon for an extra burst of citrus.
Lemon and Walnut Crusted Cod
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
Cod is one of the most versatile fishes to cook with, and one of the lightest too. This walnut crusted cod only has 240 calories per serving.
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound cod fillets
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves, loosely packed
- 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon zest
- A dash of salt
- 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup walnuts, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs
Instructions
Preparation:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a baking pan.
- Rinse cod fillets under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Place the fillets in the prepared baking pan.
- Evenly drizzle lemon juice over the cod fillets.
Creating the Crust:
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped parsley, lemon zest, breadcrumbs, and finely chopped walnuts. Season the mixture with a dash of salt and lemon pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Pour the melted butter into the walnut and breadcrumb mixture. Stir until the ingredients are well combined and the mixture becomes crumbly.
Applying the Crust and Baking:
- Spread about 2 tablespoons of the walnut mixture over one side of each cod fillet, pressing slightly to adhere.
- Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the cod is opaque, flakes easily with a fork, and the crust is golden brown.
Notes
- Ensure your walnuts are finely chopped for a consistent crust.
- For a crispier crust, broil the fish for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end of baking.
- Lemon pepper seasoning adds an extra zing, adjust according to your taste.
- Serve with a wedge of lemon for an extra burst of citrus.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Oven Baking
- Cuisine: American
This was fantastic. Made it with haddock instead of cod but it was perfect. Browned so nicely and the walnuts gave it a great crunch. Didn’t have fresh parsley so substituted dried dill and it was great.
That’s great to hear Claudia! Haddock sounds like the perfect replacement for the cod. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for this recipe! I didn’t have bread crumbs so I substituted potato pancake mix and it was delicious!
Excellent recipe. I made this tonight and didn’t change a thing. Will definitely make again.
Excellent recipe! The topping stuck and browned perfectly. It was so delicious and transformed my frozen bland cod filets.
You mention the ing. lemon-pepper in your prose, but not in the recipe. Does it belong in the recipe?
I made this last night, and it honestly turned out perfectly. Thank you!