Ina Garten Baked Cod With Panko Recipe: Crispy Ocean Magic!

Elevating seafood to an art form, baked cod with panko turns humble fish into a crispy culinary sensation.

These golden-brown fillets promise a flavor explosion that dances on your palate.

Delicate cod meets crunchy panko in a transformation that elevates weeknight dinners to gourmet heights.

Professional kitchens and home cooks alike cherish this simple yet sophisticated technique.

Herbaceous breadcrumbs create a light, airy coating that locks in moisture and delivers irresistible texture.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of delicate fish and robust seasoning.

This Mediterranean-inspired dish will make you feel like a restaurant chef in your own kitchen.

Get ready to create a seafood masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds!

How to Serve Baked Cod with Side Suggestions

• Pair with Zesty Salad: Toss a crisp mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette to complement the fish's rich flavors and add a refreshing contrast.
• Serve with Creamy Sides: Whip up some garlic mashed potatoes or herbed rice pilaf to soak up the delicious white wine sauce from the cod.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Choose a chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio that echoes the bright citrus notes and cuts through the buttery topping.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle extra chopped parsley or chives on top to add a pop of color and enhance the dish's aromatic profile.

Reheating Tips for Leftover Panko Cod

• Preserve Freshness: Store leftover baked cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cool the fish completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Freezing Strategy: Wrap individual cod portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for maximum 2 months to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
• Reheating Technique: Gently warm refrigerated fish in a 275°F oven for 10-12 minutes. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent tough, rubbery texture.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare the panko topping and season fish ahead of time. Keep separated in the refrigerator, then combine and bake just before serving for maximum crispiness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 22 minutes

Total Time: 32 minutes

Calories: 355 kcal

Servings: 4

What Goes Into Ina Garten Baked Cod with Panko

• Cod Fillets: Select fresh, firm fillets with a clean ocean scent, avoiding any fishy odors.
• Olive Oil: Choose extra virgin for a rich, smooth coating that enhances the fish's natural flavor.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Use freshly ground sea salt and cracked black pepper for a vibrant, intense seasoning.

• Ritz Cracker Crumbs, Panko Breadcrumbs: Crush crackers freshly for maximum crunch, selecting golden-colored panko for extra texture.
• Fresh Parsley: Pick bright green, crisp leaves with a vibrant aroma for maximum flavor impact.
• Garlic: Select firm, plump cloves without green sprouts for the most potent taste.
• Lemon: Choose a bright yellow, heavy fruit that yields slightly when gently squeezed for maximum zest and juice.
• Melted Butter: Use high-quality unsalted butter for controlled seasoning and rich golden color.

• White Wine: Select a crisp, dry variety that complements the delicate fish.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeeze for the brightest, most vibrant citrus notes.

Tools for Crispy Panko-Crusted Cod

• Oven: Preheats to 400°F for perfectly baked fish.
• 9×9-inch Ceramic Baking Dish: Ideal for even cooking and easy fish preparation.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps precisely season cod with salt and pepper.
• Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining cracker crumbs, breadcrumbs, and seasonings.
• Microplane or Zester: Creates fine lemon zest for extra flavor.
• Pastry Brush or Spoon: Helps drizzle olive oil and melt butter evenly.
• Kitchen Knife: Chops fresh parsley and minces garlic with ease.
• Spatula or Tongs: Assists in carefully placing and moving fish during cooking.

Step-by-Step for Baking Cod with Crunch

• Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish

Set your oven to 400°F and lightly oil a ceramic baking dish, ensuring the bottom is completely covered with a smooth olive oil layer.

• Season and Initial Bake

Place cod fillets in the dish, seasoning with salt and black pepper. Bake for 10 minutes until the fish begins to turn translucent and delicate.

• Craft Crunchy Coating

Mix together Ritz cracker crumbs, panko breadcrumbs, fresh parsley, garlic, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt. Drizzle melted butter over the mixture, stirring until it becomes a unified, slightly damp topping.

• Enhance with Flavor Splash

Pull the fish from the oven and generously splash white wine and fresh lemon juice across the fillets, creating a zesty sauce that will infuse the cod with bright, tangy notes.

• Crown with Golden Topping

Carefully spread the crispy breadcrumb mixture over the fish, pressing gently to create an even layer. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 12 minutes, watching for a gorgeous golden-brown crust and perfectly cooked fish that flakes easily with a fork.

Tips for Panko Topping Perfection

Mix different types of crackers like saltines or graham crackers for unique texture variations.

Swap fresh parsley with dill, basil, or chives to create exciting flavor profiles that complement the delicate cod.

Replace white wine with chicken broth or vegetable stock if you prefer a non-alcoholic version that still delivers rich moisture to the fish.

Kick up the heat by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for those who love a little extra zest.

Crispy Ina Garten Baked Cod With Panko Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Ina Garten’s baked cod with panko brings Mediterranean coastal flavors to home kitchens with crispy, golden breadcrumb coating. Delicate fish meets crunchy exterior, creating a simple yet elegant seafood dish you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cod fillets (center-cut, boneless, skinless, 6 to 8 oz each)
• 3 tbsps unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup Ritz cracker crumbs (15 crackers)
• ⅓ cup panko (Japanese bread flakes)
• ¼ cup dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio)
• 2 tbsps minced fresh parsley
• 2 tbsps freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 tsps minced garlic (2 cloves)
• 1 tsp grated lemon zest
• kosher salt
• freshly ground black pepper
• good olive oil
• lemon wedges (for serving)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 400°F, positioning rack in middle. Coat a 9×9-inch ceramic baking dish with olive oil by rotating the dish to ensure complete coverage.
2. Fish Placement: Arrange cod fillets in the oiled dish, turning to coat both sides. Season generously with salt and ground black pepper.
3. Initial Roasting: Bake cod for 10 minutes, allowing fish to release natural juices and begin cooking.
4. Topping Creation: Mix Ritz crackers, panko breadcrumbs, fresh parsley, garlic, lemon zest, and salt in a bowl. Incorporate melted butter until mixture becomes slightly clumpy and well-combined.
5. Flavor Enhancement: Remove fish from oven and drizzle with white wine and fresh lemon juice to intensify the delicate seafood flavor.
6. Crumb Application: Carefully press the prepared crumb mixture onto each fillet, creating an even layer that will develop into a crispy, golden crust.
7. Final Baking: Return dish to oven and continue baking for 12 minutes, or until fish turns completely opaque, flakes easily with a fork, and topping achieves a rich, golden-brown color.

Notes

• Precise Cooking Time: Strictly adhere to the 10-minute initial roasting and 12-minute topping bake to prevent overcooking the delicate cod.
• Oil Coverage Technique: Rotate the baking dish to ensure complete olive oil distribution, creating a non-stick surface and enhancing flavor absorption.
• Topping Texture Tip: Mix cracker and panko ingredients until they form a slightly clumpy consistency for maximum crispiness and better adherence to fish.
• Wine and Lemon Enhancement: Adding white wine and fresh lemon juice before the final bake intensifies the cod’s natural flavors and keeps the fish moist.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 22 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 355
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 570 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg