Baked Fish with Herb Crumb Topping
This herb crumb topped cod is my absolute go-to when I want something simple yet impressive for dinner! I used cod fillets for this recipe, but honestly, any white fish works beautifully. The crispy, flavorful herb topping transforms basic fish into something really special - it's become one of my favorite weeknight meals.
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This recipe is actually adapted from a dish I used to make with regular breadcrumbs years ago - it was always a family favorite! I discovered that crushed pork rinds create an incredibly crispy, flavorful topping that's even better than the original. You can absolutely use regular breadcrumbs if you prefer (about ¾ cup works perfectly), but I love how the pork rinds add extra crunch and a subtle savory flavor that pairs beautifully with the herbs.
Here's my little secret for the crispy topping - crushed pork rinds! They might seem like an odd choice, but they create the most amazing crunchy coating. Pork rinds grind up perfectly to mimic breadcrumbs, and their neutral flavor means they won't compete with all the delicious herbs. I've been using this technique in everything from meatloaf to salmon patties, and it never fails to impress!
What you'll love about this Recipe
- Versatility: While this recipe is made with cod fillet you can use any type of white fish you like.
- Ease: Simple ingredients and a few easy steps make for a quick dinner.
- Flavor: The true winner of this recipe is the wonderful and flavorful tarragon. This herb mixed with melted butter is simply delightful!
- Almost zero carbs: Keeping carbs below 20g's per day can be challenging! This fish recipe delivers taste without putting a major dent in your daily carb allowances.
- Suggested keto side dishes: Creamy Keto-friendly Brussel Sprouts and bacon or Roasted Zucchini with Pesto and Parmesan.
How to make low-carb fish recipe with herb crumb topping
- Prep - Rinse and dry the cod fillet with a paper towel. Place fillet on a baking sheet. place pork rinds in a Ziploc bag and with a meat tenderizer pound the pork rind into crumbs.
- Topping - Top the fish filet with zero carb dijon mustard, then mix the pork rind crumbs, melted butter, lemon zest, and Tarragon to make the crumb topping for the fish.
- Bake - In the oven for 12 minutes!
Tools for making this fish recipe with herb crumb topping
Variations and special considerations
Low-carb friendly add-ins: Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, garlic (either fresh or powder), black pepper, old bay seasoning, or other herbs.
Pork rind crumb options: You may grind your pork rinds in a food processor or even a coffee grinder(minus the coffee!) If you prefer can also purchase ground pork rind crumbs already ground.
Frequently asked questions
For a healthy keto meal serve this fish with zucchini fries, green beans, cauliflower rice or jicama fries, or other keto-friendly vegetables.
If you are using a meat/fish thermometer you want to cook the cod to the internal temperature of 145 degrees.
Yes, there are many healthy fats options. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil to achieve the golden crumb topping.
Yes, you can swap out the mustard for mayonnaise.
You can serve with lemon wedges or keto-friendly tartar sauce.
You could mix parmesan cheese with either almond meal or coconut flour. Both are a great binding agents for low-carb dishes.
Store leftover fish in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days.
Baked Fish with Herb Crumb Topping
Ingredients
- 16 oz cod fillet
- 2 teaspoon dried tarragon (or fresh herb)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- ½ cup butter melted
- 4 oz pork rinds - plain
- 1 tablespoon organic dijon mustard
- 1 lemon wedges to serve
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400° F.
- Arrange the pieces of fish in baking tray and spread mustard on the top of the fish.
- Place pork rinds in a ziploc bag, seal and pound to crumbs. Pork rinds should look like bread crumbs.
- Zest lemon and place in small bowl. Set aside.
- Melt butter in small dish. Combine pork rind crumbs, butter, lemon zest and tarragon to make the crumb mixture.
- Cover fish with crumb topping over the mustard.
- Bake in oven for 12 minutes or until done. If using a meat/fish thermometer cook until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees. Cooking time may vary.
Notes
Nutrition
Thank you for visiting the blog today for this Fish Recipe with Herb Crumb Topping. You will find that this great recipe made from simple ingredients will be the perfect low-carb dish for your dinner rotation! Be sure to check out my Panera copycat tomato soup recipe!
I can hardly wait to try this meal! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Christine! Enjoy!