Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs Cod Fillets: Fresh or frozen (thawed) cod fillets are the star of the show. Look for thick, skinless fillets for the best results. If using frozen, ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to remove excess moisture.
- 1 Sleeve (approximately 1.5 cups crushed) Ritz Crackers: The magic ingredient! Ritz crackers provide that irresistible buttery, salty, and crunchy topping that perfectly complements the delicate cod. You’ll need to crush them into coarse crumbs.
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) Unsalted Butter, melted: Melted butter is essential for binding the Ritz cracker topping and adding richness and flavor to both the topping and the cod. Unsalted butter allows you to control the salt level in the dish.
- 1/4 cup Lemon Juice, freshly squeezed: Fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors of the cod and the topping, cutting through the richness of the butter and adding a zesty touch.
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley, chopped: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a subtle herbaceousness that complements the other flavors. You can also use dried parsley if fresh isn’t available, but fresh is highly recommended for the best flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder: Garlic powder adds a savory depth to the topping and enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder: Onion powder works in synergy with garlic powder to create a more complex and savory flavor base in the topping.
- 1/4 teaspoon Paprika (optional, for color and a hint of smokiness): Paprika adds a touch of color to the topping and a subtle smoky note. You can use sweet or smoked paprika depending on your preference.
- Salt and Black Pepper to taste: Seasoning is crucial! Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors in the dish. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed throughout the preparation.
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature ensures the cod cooks through evenly while the Ritz cracker topping becomes golden brown and crispy.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or a similar sized oven-safe dish. This prevents the cod from sticking to the bottom of the dish and makes for easier cleanup. You can use cooking spray or a light coating of olive oil or butter.
- Prepare the Cod: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. This step is important, especially if using thawed frozen cod, as it removes excess moisture and helps the topping adhere better and the cod to bake rather than steam. Arrange the cod fillets in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Ensure they are not overcrowded, as this can lead to uneven cooking.
- Make the Ritz Cracker Topping: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers, melted butter, lemon juice, chopped parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika (if using). Mix well with a fork or spatula until the Ritz cracker crumbs are evenly coated with the melted butter and seasonings. The mixture should be moist but not soggy.
- Season the Cod: Sprinkle the cod fillets with salt and black pepper to taste. Seasoning the cod directly ensures that the fish itself is flavorful and not bland.
- Top the Cod with Ritz Cracker Mixture: Evenly distribute the Ritz cracker topping mixture over the cod fillets, pressing it lightly to help it adhere. Ensure each fillet is generously covered with the topping for maximum flavor and crunch.
- Bake the Cod: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cod is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork, and the Ritz cracker topping is golden brown and crispy. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of your cod fillets. Start checking for doneness around 15 minutes and adjust the time accordingly.
- Check for Doneness: To check if the cod is cooked through, gently flake it with a fork. If it flakes easily and is opaque throughout, it’s done. Avoid overbaking the cod, as it can become dry.
- Rest and Serve: Once cooked, let the baked cod rest for a minute or two before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more moist and flavorful fish. Garnish with extra fresh parsley and lemon wedges, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 450-550 calories
- Sugar: 2-3 grams
- Sodium: 500-700 mg
- Fat: 25-35 grams
- Carbohydrates: 20-25 grams
- Fiber: 1-2 grams
- Protein: 35-40 grams
- Cholesterol: 150-200 mg