Baked Lemon Thyme Cod and Chips

Baked Lemon Thyme Cod and Chips

A lighter, oven-baked interpretation of the British seaside classic. Flaky cod fillets are crusted in zesty lemon and aromatic thyme panko crumbs, served alongside crisp, golden potato wedges roasted with olive oil rather than deep-fried.

1hEasy4 servings
Remix

Equipment

Large baking sheets
Parchment paper
Shallow bowls
Chef's knife
Microplane or zester

Ingredients

4 servings

Chips

  • 800 g floury potatoes (such as maris piper or russet), scrubbed and cut into 2cm thick wedges
  • 30 ml olive oil
  • salt
  • black pepper

Fish

  • 600 g cod fillets, skinless, pat dried
  • 60 g panko breadcrumbs
  • 40 g plain flour
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1 lemon, zested
  • 4 g fresh thyme leaves, picked from stems

Nutrition (per serving)

Nutrition is estimated per serving. Nutrients without complete source data are omitted.

480
Calories
37g
Protein
58g
Carbohydrates
11g
Fat
4g
Fiber
3g
Sugar
750mg
Sodium
Full nutrition
Calories
480 kcal
Protein
37 g
Carbohydrates
58 g
Fat
11 g
Fiber
4 g
Sugar
3 g
Sodium
750 mg
Saturated Fat
2 g
Trans Fat
0 g
Monounsaturated Fat
7 g
Polyunsaturated Fat
2 g
Cholesterol
158 mg
Potassium
1538 mg
Calcium
77 mg
Iron
3.4 mg
Magnesium
103 mg
Phosphorus
480 mg
Zinc
1.7 mg
Vitamin A
61 mcg
Vitamin C
26 mg
Vitamin D
1.9 mcg
Vitamin E
2.4 mg
Vitamin K
9 mcg
Vitamin B6
1.1 mg
Vitamin B12
1.6 mcg
Thiamin
0.31 mg
Riboflavin
0.30 mg
Niacin
5.4 mg
Folate
56 mcg
Water
319 g

Sources: Aggregated Public Data, USDA FoodData Central

Method

01

Preheat your oven to 220°C/425°F (200°C fan). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.

02

Rinse the potato wedges under cold water to remove excess starch, then pat them thoroughly dry with a clean kitchen towel. This step is crucial for crispiness.

03

Toss the dried potatoes with 20ml of olive oil, salt, and pepper directly on one of the baking sheets. Spread them out in a single layer so they aren't touching.

04

Bake the chips on the top rack for 20 minutes while you prepare the fish. They need a head start as they take longer to cook.

20m
05

Set up a breading station: Place flour in one shallow bowl. In a second bowl, place beaten eggs. In a third bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, lemon zest, thyme leaves, remaining 10ml olive oil, and a pinch of salt.

06

Dredge each cod fillet in flour (shaking off excess), dip into the egg wash, and then press firmly into the lemon-thyme crumb mixture to coat evenly.

07

After the chips have baked for 20 minutes, remove the tray and flip them. Place the breaded fish fillets on the second prepared baking sheet.

08

Return the chips to the oven and place the fish tray on the rack below them. Bake both for another 12-15 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily (internal temp 63°C/145°F) and chips are golden brown.

15mLook for: Fish coating golden, flesh opaqueFeel: Fish flakes easily with a fork
09

Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges and fresh peas if desired.

Chef's Notes

  • Mixing a small amount of oil into the breadcrumbs before coating the fish helps the panko brown evenly in the oven, mimicking the color of fried fish.
  • For the fluffiest chips, use a floury potato variety like Maris Piper, King Edward, or Russet. Waxy potatoes will not crisp up as well.
  • If you want even more flavor in the crust, add a teaspoon of garlic powder or onion granules to the panko mixture.

Storage

Refrigerator: 2 daysCoating will lose crispness; reheat in oven or air fryer.

Reheating: Reheat in a 180°C/350°F oven for 10-15 minutes to restore crunch.

Troubleshooting

Chips are soggy

Cause: Potatoes were too wet before oiling or the pan was overcrowded

Fix: Spread onto a second tray and bake for 5-10 extra minutes, or use the broiler/grill briefly (watch closely)

Prevention: Dry potatoes thoroughly after rinsing and ensure they are in a single layer with space between them

Cultural Context

Fish and chips is the quintessential British comfort food, traditionally deep-fried in beef dripping and served wrapped in newspaper. This version respects the flavor profile—mild white fish and hearty potatoes—but adapts the cooking method for a lighter, home-kitchen-friendly meal that retains the beloved crunch.

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