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Baked Cod in Coconut Lemon Cream Sauce Recipe

4.7 from 94 reviews

This Baked Cod in Coconut Lemon Cream Sauce is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish perfect for busy weeknights. Tender cod fillets are seasoned and baked in a creamy, tangy sauce made from coconut milk, fresh lemon juice, and aromatic garlic, ginger, and onion. The combination of creamy coconut and bright lemon makes this dish both comforting and refreshing, providing a deliciously balanced meal ideal for seafood lovers.

Ingredients

Scale

Fish

  • 4 fillets Cod (thick, white cod fillets)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Pepper

Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (for sautéing)
  • 1 medium Onion (sauté until translucent)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1 tablespoon Ginger (grated)
  • 1 can Coconut Milk (full-fat preferred, about 13.5 oz)
  • 3 tablespoons Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 teaspoon Lemon Zest

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 180°C (350°F) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for even baking of the cod fillets.
  2. Season the Cod: Generously sprinkle both salt and pepper onto the cod fillets to enhance their natural flavor and create a well-seasoned base for the dish.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant and aromatic.
  4. Prepare the Sauce: Pour the coconut milk into the skillet with the sautéed aromatics. Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice and lemon zest. Stir to combine and allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3-5 minutes to meld the flavors and slightly thicken.
  5. Assemble for Baking: Place the seasoned cod fillets in a baking dish arranged in a single layer. Pour the coconut lemon cream sauce evenly over the fillets to ensure they are well coated.
  6. Bake the Cod: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. This indicates that the cod is cooked through and tender.
  7. Serve: Once baked, carefully remove the dish from the oven and serve the cod with the creamy coconut lemon sauce spooned over the top. This pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Full-fat coconut milk is preferred for a rich and creamy sauce texture.
  • Fresh lemon juice and zest add bright acidity; bottled lemon juice can alter the flavor balance.
  • Check cod’s doneness by testing if it flakes easily with a fork to avoid overcooking.
  • For extra flavor, garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley before serving.
  • Can be served with steamed rice, quinoa, or a fresh green salad to complete the meal.

Keywords: baked cod, coconut cream sauce, lemon sauce, quick seafood dinner, weeknight meal, healthy cod recipe, coconut lemon fish