Broiled Scrod
Tender, flaky white fish broiled to perfection with a golden, buttery breadcrumb topping. This classic New England dish is incredibly simple, elegant, and ready in under 20 minutes.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 10 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Position an oven rack about 4-6 inches from the broiler element and turn the broiler on to high. Lightly grease a baking sheet or broiling pan with olive oil.
- 2
Step 2
- a.In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, lemon juice, chopped parsley, and minced garlic. Mix well to combine.
- 3
Pat the fish fillets completely dry with paper towels
- a.Arrange the fillets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet and season both sides of the fish with salt and pepper.
- 4
Pour the butter mixture evenly over the fish fillets
- a.Sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs over the top, followed by a light dusting of paprika for color.
- 5
Place the baking sheet under the preheated broiler
- a.Broil for 8-10 minutes, watching carefully to prevent the topping from burning. The fish is done when it is opaque throughout and flakes easily with a fork.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Garnish and serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges on the side.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Do not overcook the fish. It will continue to cook slightly from residual heat after you remove it from the oven.
- 2Patting the fish dry with paper towels is a crucial step; it helps the topping adhere and prevents the fish from steaming.
- 3Every broiler is different. Keep a close eye on the fish during the last few minutes of cooking to ensure the breadcrumbs turn golden brown but do not burn.
- 4For best results, use fresh, thick fillets of cod or haddock, about 1-inch thick.
- 5Serve this dish with classic sides like steamed asparagus, boiled new potatoes, or a simple green salad.
- 6You can check for doneness with a thermometer. The internal temperature of the fish should reach 145°F (63°C).
Adapt it for your goals.
Gluten free
Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds for the topping. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
dairy freeDairy free
Substitute the butter with an equal amount of high-quality olive oil or your favorite dairy-free butter alternative.
low carbLow carb
Omit the breadcrumbs entirely. For a crispy topping, mix 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese with the paprika and sprinkle over the fish.
quickQuick
To save time, you can mix the breadcrumbs directly into the melted butter mixture and pat it onto the fish fillets before broiling.