Ingredients
Herb and Citrus Crust
- Zest from 1 large lemon (finely grated)
- Zest from 1 small orange (finely grated)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon coriander
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Fish
- 1 ½ pounds cod fish fillets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Optional for topping – finely chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the cod.
- Dry the citrus zest: Spread the lemon and orange zest on a plate and let them air-dry for 5 to 10 minutes if possible; this helps prevent clumping in the seasoning mixture.
- Combine the seasoning: In a small bowl, mix together the dried lemon and orange zest with oregano, thyme, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, kosher salt, coriander, and black pepper until well homogenized.
- Prepare the fish: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, then brush them evenly with olive oil to help the seasoning stick.
- Apply the crust: Sprinkle the citrus herb seasoning mixture evenly over the cod, gently pressing it onto the surface to adhere well.
- Bake the cod: Place the seasoned fish on a sheet pan and bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Garnish and serve: Optionally, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top before serving to add a fresh, vibrant finish.
Notes
- Allowing the citrus zest to air-dry prevents clumping and enhances the texture of the crust.
- Ensure the fish fillets are dry before applying oil and seasoning for better adherence and crust formation.
- Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the thickness of your cod fillets; check for doneness by flaking the fish with a fork.
- Feel free to substitute other white fish like haddock or halibut if cod is unavailable.
- This recipe pairs well with steamed vegetables, quinoa, or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
