Oven-Fried Lemon Garlic Cod
My family devoured this scrumptious fish. Its crunchy topping and light lemony flavor makes it hard to resist. This is also a great way to use up an opened package of crackers in your pantry.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 - 2 lbs. cod filets or use other firm white fish, such as flounder, catfish or tilapia
- 2 Tbsp. reduced-fat mayonnaise (or use any variety),
- 2 cloves garlic minced, about 1 tsp.
- 1 lemon use 1 Tbsp. juice, and cut remaining lemon into wedges for serving
- 1 1/2 - 2 cups crackers (buttery or whole grain), crushed to make 1 cup coarse crumbs
Instructions
- Adjust the oven rack to the middle position and preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Spray a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray. Place the fish on the baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, garlic and lemon juice. Using a pastry brush or the back of a spoon, brush the top and sides of the fish with the mayonnaise mixture, then press the crumbs evenly on top of the fish.
- Bake it for 15 - 20 minutes, until the crumbs are golden brown and the thickest part of the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Serve it with the lemon wedges.
Slow Cooker Directions
- Cut the fillets, if needed, to fit into the slow cooker. Place each piece of fish on an individual square of aluminum foil large enough to fold into a packet. Distribute the mayo mixture, then the crackers, evenly over each piece of fish, then fold the foil around the fish to make a packet. Place the packets in the slow cooker, stacking as needed, then cook on low for 6 - 8 hours or on high for 3 - 4 hours. (Note, the topping will not get as crispy as the oven method but they are still delicious.) (Slow cooker cooking times may vary—Get to know your slow cooker and, if necessary, adjust cooking times accordingly.)
Notes
Do Ahead or Delegate: Peel the garlic, juice and slice the lemon, crush the crackers, make and refrigerate the mayonnaise mixture.
Scramble Flavor Booster: Double the garlic and add 1/2 - 1 tsp. lemon zest to the mayonnaise mixture.
Tip: Garlic will keep longer if you store it in an open container (like a bowl) at room temperature. Also, to enhance the health benefits of garlic, if time allows (does that ever happen?!), let it to sit for about 10 minutes after it is crushed/minced before you add it to the pan. This allows its full flavor and the health-promoting allicin compound to form.
Nutritional Information Per Serving (% based upon daily values): Calories 270, Total Fat: 5g, 8%; Saturated Fat: 1g, 5%; Cholesterol: 75mg, 25%; Sodium: 330mg, 14%; Total Carbohydrate: 21g, 7%; Dietary Fiber: 1g, 4%; Sugar: 2g; Protein: 34g
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