Ingredients
4 lbs Cod raw fillets, thawed if frozen; cut into six portions- 1 Cup basil pesto jarred or homemade; divided between both sides of the fish
- 1 Cup Breadcrumbs unseasoned; divided between both sides
1 Tbsp Olive Oil- 1 Med Zucchini trimmed and cut into 1/4-inch half-moons
1 Med Yellow Squash trimmed and cut into 1/4-inch half-moons
1 Med Red Bell Pepper stemmed, seeded, and diced
1 Clove Garlic minced (fresh preferred)
1 Pinch salt to taste
1 Pinch Black Pepper to taste
Optional for Serving:
¼ Cup Parmesan Cheese Freshly grated
1 Lemon cut into wedges
2 Cups White rice already cooked; optional, cooked separately
Instructions
- Heat oven to 450°F. Line one or two rimmed baking sheets with parchment rated for this temperature. Pat thawed cod dry and cut into six portions of similar thickness. Measure pesto into a separate bowl so utensils touching raw fish do not go back into the jar.
- Use half the pesto and breadcrumbs to coat one side of the fish, pressing crumbs gently into the pesto. Place coated-side down on the prepared sheets. Coat the upper sides with the remaining pesto and breadcrumbs. Leave space around each portion; use two trays if needed.
- Bake about 10–18 minutes, depending on thickness and tray loading. Check early and continue until the thickest part reaches 145°F on a food thermometer and the flesh is opaque and flakes readily. Rotate trays if needed for even cooking.
- While fish bakes, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add zucchini, yellow squash, and red pepper. Season lightly and cook, stirring often, about 8–10 minutes, until tender-crisp. Cook in batches if crowded. Reduce heat, add garlic, and stir for 30 seconds.
- Serve cod with the vegetables. Add optional cooked rice, grated Parmesan, and lemon wedges as desired. The recipe timing does not include cooking the rice.
Notes
Fish thickness matters more than a fixed baking time. Check the thickest pieces with a thermometer, and remove thinner pieces when done. Keep the pesto and breadcrumbs used for coating separate from any clean garnish. Optional rice is measured cooked, not dry.
