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Crispy Cod with Lemon Dill Tartar Sauce

Crispy Cod with Lemon Dill Tartar Sauce is an easy seafood dinner with flaky cod and a crunchy panko coating.Serve with creamy homemade lemon dill tartar sauce.Ready in only 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 14 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American

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
  • 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 black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Step 1: Make the Tartar Sauce

  • In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, lemon zest, dill, chopped pickles, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and refrigerate while preparing the fish.

Step 2: Prepare the Breading Station

  • Arrange three shallow bowls.
  • Bowl 1: Flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper
  • Bowl 2: Beaten eggs
  • Bowl 3: Panko breadcrumbs

Step 3: Bread the Cod

  • Pat the cod fillets completely dry.
  • Coat each fillet in the seasoned flour, dip into the eggs, then press into the panko breadcrumbs until evenly coated.

Step 4: Cook the Fish

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Cook each fillet for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. The Crispy Cod with Lemon Dill Tartar Sauce is ready when the fish flakes easily and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
  • Transfer to paper towels to remove excess oil.

Step 5: Serve

  • Serve immediately with lemon wedges and generous spoonfuls of homemade lemon dill tartar sauce.

Oven-Baked Option

  • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Place the breaded cod on a lightly greased baking sheet. Spray lightly with cooking oil and bake for 12–15 minutes or until golden and cooked through.

Notes

  • Serve with roasted potatoes, fries, rice, or steamed vegetables.
  • Add extra dill for a fresher sauce.
  • For a lighter version, bake instead of frying.
  • A squeeze of fresh lemon before serving enhances the flavor.