Baked Cod in Coconut Lemon Cream Sauce Recipe

Introduction

This Baked Cod in Coconut Lemon Cream Sauce is a perfect weeknight meal that’s both flavorful and quick to prepare. The creamy coconut sauce paired with fresh lemon adds a bright, tropical touch to flaky cod fillets. It’s wholesome, comforting, and ready in just 35 minutes.

Ingredients

• 4 fillets cod (thick, white cod fillets)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 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)
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Step 2: Generously sprinkle salt and pepper onto the cod fillets.
3. Step 3: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the onion until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Step 4: Pour in the coconut milk, then stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-4 minutes to combine the flavors.
5. Step 5: Place the seasoned cod fillets in a baking dish and pour the coconut lemon cream sauce evenly over the fish.
6. Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red chili flakes to the sauce while simmering.
• You can substitute cod with other white fish like haddock or tilapia if preferred.
• Serve this dish over steamed rice or with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
• Using fresh lemon juice and zest brightens the dish more than bottled lemon juice.

Storage

Store any leftover baked cod and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave to prevent drying out the fish. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be refreshed with a squeeze of lemon after reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use light coconut milk instead of full-fat?

Yes, but full-fat coconut milk will provide a richer and creamier sauce. Light coconut milk can be used for a lighter version but the sauce may be less thick and flavorful.

Is it necessary to bake the cod, or can I cook it on the stovetop?

Baking allows the fish to cook evenly in the flavorful sauce without drying out. However, you can simmer the cod gently on the stovetop in the sauce until cooked through, but be sure to watch closely to avoid overcooking.

Baked Cod in Coconut Lemon Cream Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 106 reviews

A flavorful and creamy baked cod recipe perfect for busy weeknights, featuring tender cod fillets baked in a rich coconut lemon cream sauce with aromatic garlic, ginger, and sautéed onions.

• Author: Lila
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: International

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fish

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

For the 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)
• 3 tablespoons Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 teaspoon Lemon Zest

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) to prepare for baking the cod fillets.
2. Season Cod: Generously sprinkle salt and pepper evenly on all sides of the cod fillets to enhance flavor.
3. Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then add minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring continuously until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
4. Make Coconut Lemon Sauce: Pour in the full-fat coconut milk, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest into the skillet with the aromatics. Stir well and allow the mixture to simmer gently for 3-5 minutes, letting the flavors meld and slightly thicken the sauce.
5. Assemble for Baking: Place the seasoned cod fillets evenly in a baking dish. Pour the warm coconut lemon cream sauce over the fish, ensuring each fillet is well-coated with the sauce.
6. Bake Cod: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork, indicating it is fully cooked.

Notes

• Use thick cod fillets for the best texture and even cooking.
• Full-fat coconut milk adds richness, but light coconut milk can be used for a lighter version.
• Fresh lemon juice and zest are key to balancing the creaminess with bright citrus flavor.
• Check the fish at 20 minutes to avoid overcooking; fish continues to cook slightly after removal from the oven.
• This dish pairs well with steamed rice, quinoa, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Keywords: baked cod, coconut lemon cream sauce, weeknight dinner, easy fish recipe, healthy cod recipe, coconut milk fish, lemon ginger cod