Baked Cod in Coconut Lemon Cream Sauce

Baked Cod in Coconut Lemon Cream Sauce is a light and luxurious dish that brings together the delicate flakiness of cod with a velvety coconut cream sauce brightened by fresh lemon. It’s the perfect weeknight meal that feels gourmet but comes together with ease. Pair it with rice, vegetables, or crusty bread to soak up every last drop of the luscious sauce.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick & Simple – Ready in just 30 minutes with minimal prep.
Delicate & Flavorful – Mild cod paired with creamy coconut and citrusy lemon.
Dairy-Free – Uses coconut milk instead of traditional cream.
Healthy Yet Comforting – Packed with protein and good fats.
Versatile Pairings – Goes great with rice, veggies, or bread.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cod:

• 4 cod fillets (6 oz each, skinless)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder

For the Coconut Lemon Cream Sauce:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small shallot, finely chopped
• 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• ½ tsp turmeric (for golden color and warmth)
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional for balance)

For Garnish & Serving:

• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon wedges for serving
• Steamed jasmine rice or wild rice
• Roasted vegetables or sautéed greens

Tools You’ll Need

• Baking dish
• Small saucepan
• Whisk or spoon
• Zester or fine grater
• Oven

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Season Cod
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Pat cod fillets dry with a paper towel.
Place them in a lightly greased baking dish.
Drizzle with olive oil and season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
Set aside while you prepare the sauce.

Step 2: Make the Coconut Lemon Cream Sauce
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and chopped shallot. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until soft and fragrant.
Pour in the coconut milk, then add Dijon mustard, lemon zest, lemon juice, turmeric, salt, pepper, and optional honey or maple syrup.
Whisk everything together and simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 3: Bake the Cod
Pour the coconut lemon cream sauce over the seasoned cod fillets in the baking dish.
Bake uncovered for 15–18 minutes, or until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Optional: Broil for the last 1–2 minutes to lightly brown the top.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
Pair with jasmine rice and steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

Tips for the Best Baked Cod
Use Fresh or Well-Thawed Cod – For the best flaky texture.
Don’t Overbake – Check for doneness at the thickest part of the fillet.
Customize the Sauce – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or fresh basil for a sweet herbal note.
Let the Sauce Simmer – A few extra minutes thickens the sauce and deepens flavor.
Garnish Right Before Serving – Fresh herbs and lemon bring brightness to the dish.

Serving Suggestions
Steamed Jasmine or Wild Rice – To soak up the creamy sauce.
Garlicky Green Beans – Adds a fresh, crunchy contrast.
Roasted Asparagus – A springtime favorite.
Crispy Potatoes – For a heartier plate.
Toasted Flatbread – Perfect for scooping up leftover sauce.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store leftover cod and sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheating:
Stovetop: Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of coconut milk if needed.
Microwave: Warm in short intervals at medium power to prevent overcooking the fish.
Avoid boiling, as the fish may break apart and become rubbery.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen cod?
   Yes. Thaw it completely, pat dry, and proceed with the recipe as written.
2. Is there a substitute for coconut milk?
   You can use a non-dairy cream or cashew cream, but coconut milk provides the best flavor and texture.
3. Can I make this dish ahead?
   Yes. Prepare the sauce in advance and refrigerate. Assemble and bake when ready to serve.
4. Can I use a different fish?
   Absolutely. Try haddock, halibut, or tilapia for a similar flaky texture.
5. Is this dish gluten-free?
   Yes! All ingredients used are naturally gluten-free.

Final Thoughts
Baked Cod in Coconut Lemon Cream Sauce is a quick, flavorful, and elegant dinner that’s perfect for any night of the week. It’s healthy, satisfying, and full of zesty, tropical flavor thanks to the creamy coconut milk and fresh lemon. With minimal ingredients and effort, you’ll have a restaurant-quality dish right at home.

Try it out and let the delicious simplicity surprise you. Don’t forget to leave a review and share your plate—I can’t wait to see how it turns out!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 400 | Protein: 34g | Carbohydrates: 6g | Fat: 25g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 440mg

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