Name: Baked Cod in Coconut Lemon Cream Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; 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); 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; Lemon wedges for serving; Steamed jasmine rice or wild rice; Roasted vegetables or sautéed greens

Description

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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Ingredients

Scale

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

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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.

Notes

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.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: American