Description
Golden, crunchy, and perfectly flaky, this Crispy Cod with Lemon Dill Tartar Sauce features tender cod fillets coated in crispy panko breadcrumbs and served with a creamy, tangy homemade lemon dill sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy seafood recipe is perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner or a restaurant-style family meal.
Ingredients
For the Crispy Cod:
4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2–3 tablespoons olive oil, for pan-frying
Lemon wedges, for serving
For the Lemon Dill Tartar Sauce:
½ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
1 tablespoon chopped pickles or relish
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare the Tartar Sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, lemon zest, fresh dill, chopped pickles, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy. Refrigerate while preparing the fish.
2. Set Up the Breading Station: Prepare three shallow bowls. In the first, mix flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Beat the eggs in the second bowl and add panko breadcrumbs to the third.
3. Bread the Cod: Pat cod fillets dry with paper towels. Coat each fillet in seasoned flour, dip into beaten eggs, and press gently into panko breadcrumbs until evenly coated.
4. Pan-Fry the Cod: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the breaded cod fillets without overcrowding the pan. Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown, crispy, and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
5. Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the cooked cod to a paper towel-lined plate or wire rack. Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges and a generous spoonful of homemade lemon dill tartar sauce.
Notes
Dry the Fish: Pat cod fillets thoroughly dry before breading to help the coating stick.
Extra Crispy Coating: Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs for a lighter, crunchier texture.
Avoid Overcrowding: Cook the cod in batches if necessary to maintain a crispy crust.
Fresh Dill: Fresh dill gives the tartar sauce the best flavor, but dried dill can work in a pinch.
Cooking Temperature: Use a food thermometer to check that the cod reaches 145°F (63°C).
Storage: Refrigerate leftover cooked cod in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Reheating: Reheat in an air fryer or oven until the fish reaches 165°F (74°C) to restore crispiness.
Make Ahead: Prepare the tartar sauce a few hours in advance and keep refrigerated until serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cod fillet with tartar sauce
- Calories: 525 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 27 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 160 mg