Baked Cod with Rye Crumb Crust
Flaky cod fillets are topped with a savory and slightly nutty crust made from Danish rye breadcrumbs, herbs, and butter. This dish offers a delightful texture contrast and a taste of traditional Danish flavors.
🧂 Ingredients
- 4 pieces Cod Fillets(about 130-140g each, thick)
- 75 g Rye Breadcrumbs(from dark rye bread)
- 85 g Butter(melted)
- 2 tbsp Fresh Dill(chopped)
- 0.5 tsp Lemon Zest(finely grated)
- 0.5 tbsp Lemon Juice
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil(for tomatoes (optional))
- 8 large Plum Tomatoes(halved (optional, for serving))
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F, Gas Mark 6). If serving with tomatoes, place the halved plum tomatoes in a roasting tin with olive oil, season, and roast for 30 minutes.
💡 Tip: Roasting the tomatoes brings out their sweetness. - 2
Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- 3
In a bowl, combine the rye breadcrumbs, melted butter, chopped dill, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix well until the breadcrumbs are evenly moistened.
- 4
Place the seasoned cod fillets in a lightly greased baking dish. Divide the rye crumb mixture evenly among the fillets, pressing gently to form a compact crust on top of each piece.
💡 Tip: Press the topping firmly to ensure it stays on during baking. - 5
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes, or until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, and the rye crumb crust is golden brown and crunchy.
💡 Tip: Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the cod fillets. - 6
Serve the baked cod immediately, with the roasted tomatoes if using.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For an extra layer of flavor, you can add a pinch of dried tarragon or a small amount of finely chopped parsley to the crumb mixture.
- ✓If you don't have rye breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs can be used, but toasting them slightly beforehand will enhance their flavor.
- ✓Ensure the cod is not overcooked, as it can become dry.
🔄 Variations
- Add a tablespoon of capers to the crumb mixture for a briny kick.
- A small amount of grated Parmesan cheese can be added to the crumb topping for extra richness.