Simple Baked Cod

Preheat oven to 400 F and line a rimmed baking sheet with foil. Spray the foil lightly with olive or canola oil spray. Set aside.

In a shallow dish or bowl combine panko breadcrumbs, sea salt, pepper, paprika, basil, and the zest from 1 whole lemon. (I then later use the lemon for fresh lemon juice to spritz on top of the fish once it’s cooked.)

Remove fish from packaging and pat it lightly with a paper towel.

Working with one fillet at a time place cod in the breadcrumb mixture and press lightly until both sides have a light coating of breadcrumbs. They won’t be completely covered and that’s okay. Place cod on prepared baking sheet and continue with remaining fish.

Once all the fillets are coated lightly with breadcrumbs drizzle the tops with the melted butter. Press remaining breadcrumbs on the top of the butter and press lightly to make them stick.

Bake for 12-15 minutes depending on the size of your fillets. Serve immediately. I like to top mine with fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of sea salt!