Posh Fish And Chips (Baked Panko Cod With Lemon Butter Sauce)

Ingredients

• 3 ounces cod ((2 small fillets) with or without skin, use any kind of white fish if cod not available)
• 4 medium potatoes (peeled and chopped into chunky chips (or allow around 7 ounces/200 grams/1 1/2 to 2 medium potatoes per person))
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (approximately)
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (panko breadcrumbs, or make your own in the food processor out of any bread you have)
• 1 lemon (zest only (save the juice for the sauce))
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil (or 2 teaspoons dried basil)
• 1 ounce parmesan cheese (grated (a small handful) / or use a strong cheddar or other hard cheese)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
• 1/3 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil ((or use 1 more tablespoon butter instead))
• 1 lemon ((use the juice of the lemon you zested for the panko topping))
• frozen peas (or another vegetable side e.g. pan-fried asparagus)

Instructions

1. 1

   Place fish in greased baking dish or pan.: Spray a medium sized baking dish or oven proof pan e.g. cast iron with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the fish into the dish/pan skin-side down (if the fish has skin).

2. 2

   Preheat oven then parboil potatoes and drain.: Preheat the oven to 410F/210C. Then put the potatoes into a large pot of salted water and bring to the boil. Boil for 2 minutes, drain and let steam. Alternatively, boil for 10 minutes in water that's already boiling.

3. 3

   Toss parboiled potatoes with olive oil on a baking tray. Bake for 30 minutes.: Empty the drained potatoes onto a large baking sheet lined with baking paper. Drizzle with olive oil and toss with your hands. Bake in one layer for around 30 minutes or until cooked through, golden, and a little crispy.

4. 4

   Combine ingredients for panko topping.: Meanwhile, combine the panko crumbs, lemon zest, basil, parmesan/other cheese, garlic powder and paprika (if using), salt and pepper in a small bowl.

5. 5

   Pile panko topping onto fish and bake for 10 to 15 minutes.: Pile half of the panko mixture onto the top of each of the fish fillets in the baking dish/pan. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes - just until the flesh has turned completely white. The inside of the fish should be at least 145F/63C (check with a meat thermometer if you like).

6. 6

   Melt butter and lemon juice around cooked fish.: Quickly melt the butter around the fish while it's still in the pan. Then add the lemon juice and swirl a little with a spatula or wooden spoon to combine.

7. 7

   Serve fish and chips immediately.: Serve the crispy cod and sauce immediately with the cooked chips/fries and a side of frozen peas (if you like). Scatter a little more fresh basil over the top if you like.