Icelandic Baked Cod with Rye Crumble
A simple yet elegant dish featuring flaky Icelandic cod baked to perfection, topped with a savory and slightly sweet crumble made from traditional Icelandic rye bread. This recipe highlights the freshness of Icelandic seafood with the unique flavor of rye.
🧂 Ingredients
- 600 g Cod fillets, skinless
- 3 tbsp Butter, melted
- 2 tbsp Lemon juice
- 1 tsp Salt
- ½ tsp Black pepper
- 100 g Icelandic rye bread (rúgbrauð), crumbled
- 2 tbsp Fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tbsp Parsley, chopped
- 1 clove Garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease a baking dish.
💡 Tip: Ensuring the oven is preheated will help the fish cook evenly. - 2
Place the cod fillets in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle with lemon juice and brush with half of the melted butter. Season with salt and pepper.
💡 Tip: Using fresh lemon juice adds a bright flavor that complements the fish. - 3
In a small bowl, combine the crumbled rye bread, chopped dill, parsley, minced garlic, and the remaining melted butter. Mix well to create the crumble topping.
💡 Tip: If your rye bread is very dry, you may need slightly less butter. - 4
Sprinkle the rye crumble evenly over the cod fillets.
💡 Tip: Ensure the crumble covers the fish well for a good crust. - 5
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, and the crumble topping is golden brown and crisp.
💡 Tip: Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the cod fillets. - 6
Drizzle with a little olive oil just before serving, if desired.
💡 Tip: A light drizzle of good quality olive oil can enhance the flavors. - 7
Serve hot, perhaps with boiled new potatoes or a simple green salad.
💡 Tip: This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓You can toast the rye bread crumbs lightly in a dry pan before mixing with the other crumble ingredients for extra crispness.
- ✓If you don't have Icelandic rye bread, a dark pumpernickel bread can be used as a substitute.
- ✓For a richer flavor, add a pinch of caraway seeds to the crumble mixture.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a tablespoon of capers to the crumble for a salty, briny kick.
- Incorporate a bit of grated Parmesan cheese into the crumble for added umami.
- Serve with a dollop of skyr mixed with a little mustard and dill.