Crispy Parmesan Crusted Cod with Aioli + Seared Zucchini

Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment or a silicon mat. Place the fish on the baking sheet, spread out evenly, fillets not that close together (if you don’t have the same number of fillets as you do diners, cut the fish to serve everyone. With this dish you can actually trim a little from 2 different fillets and push them up next to each other to make 1 larger piece if needed).

Sprinkle the fillets with about ½ a teaspoon of salt.

Place the ¼ cup of mayonnaise in a small bowl. Mince the garlic cloves and sprinkle them with a good pinch of the salt. Keep mincing as finely as you can. The salt will help them become softer and let their liquid out. Add the garlic to the mayo. Add the lemon zest and ½ of the lemon juice to the mayo. Stir to combine.

Evenly divide the aioli (the mayo mixture) between the fillets and use the back of a spoon to smooth out an even coating just on the top.

In another small bowl, place the breadcrumbs, ½ cup parmesan, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Evenly divide the breadcrumbs across all of the fillets making a smooth layer covering all of the aioli.

Dot the top of each fillet with about ¼ teaspoon of butter. Place in the broiler and cook for about 12 minutes or until the breading is golden brown and if you look at the sides of the fish it is opaque and firm to the touch. Time will vary depending on the thickness of your fish.

Meanwhile, slice the zucchini into ⅓” thick rounds (or slice them a little oblong on an angle - it just looks nice, doesn’t matter for taste!) Heat the remaining 1 ½ Tablespoons of butter in a large saute pan over high heat. When it’s melted and bubbling, add the zucchini. Arrange the slices so as many as possible are flat so they will brown nicely.

Don’t move them for about 2-3 minutes. You’ll smell the butter browning and if you check one, the edges should be golden. Sprinkle the zucchini with ½ teaspoon of salt. Shake, turn, or flip the slices however you’re comfortable and cook the other sides. Cook for about 3 minutes. Possibly, flip and turn one more time if you couldn’t get all of the pieces to touch the bottom at some point.

While zucchini is cooking, chop up the ⅓ of a bunch of parsley, all the way down to the stems.

When the zucchini is done, add most of the parsley and toss to combine. Save just a teaspoon or so for a nice garnish.

Place the zucchini on large wide plates. Top the center of each mound with a fillet of fish. Garnish with the reserved parsley and freshly ground black pepper to taste.