Crispy Baked Cod with Lemon Asparagus
Pan-seared cod fillets topped with a golden panko, lemon, and parsley crust, roasted alongside asparagus and served with vegetable rice. The breadcrumb topping crisps in the oven while the fish stays moist inside, finished with fresh lemon juice and a scatter of reserved parsley.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 425°F Fan or 400°F.
- 2
Mix breadcrumbs, lemon zest, and chopped parsley together, reserving a small amount of parsley for garnish. Stir in softened butter until well combined.
- 3
Place cod fillets on greaseproof paper on a baking tray. Spread breadcrumb mixture on top of each fillet and press gently. Drizzle with olive oil.
- 4
Bake for 10 minutes.
- 5
While fish bakes, add asparagus to boiling water and cook for 3 minutes. Drain.
- 6
Add drained asparagus to the baking tray with the fish and bake for another 4 to 5 minutes until fish is cooked through and topping is crispy and golden.
- 7
Heat vegetable rice according to pouch instructions.
- 8
Arrange asparagus spears in a row on a plate, top with baked fish, drizzle with lemon juice, scatter reserved parsley over top, and serve rice on the side.
Tips
Press breadcrumb topping gently to adhere without compacting; this helps it crisp without becoming dense.
Boil asparagus separately before adding to the tray to ensure it cooks through while the fish finishes.
Good to Know
Cooked fish is best consumed immediately. Leftover rice and components store separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days refrigerated.
Breadcrumb topping can be mixed up to 4 hours ahead and stored in the fridge. Prepare rice from pouch just before serving.
Plate asparagus in a line, rest fish fillet on top, add lemon juice drizzle and parsley garnish. Serve vegetable rice on the side.
Common Mistakes
Do not skip the separate asparagus boil step to avoid undercooked vegetable with overcooked fish.
Do not press breadcrumb topping firmly to avoid a dense, heavy crust instead of a light, crispy one.
Do not omit the 10-minute pre-cook before adding asparagus to avoid mushy vegetables or undercooked fish.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Gluten-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
similar mild white fish and cook time