Baked Cod in Coconut Lemon Cream Sauce Recipe

Introduction

This baked cod in coconut lemon cream sauce is a perfect quick dinner for busy weeknights. The creamy, tangy sauce complements the tender white fish beautifully, making it both simple and flavorful.

Ingredients

• 4 thick white cod fillets
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing)
• 1 medium onion, sautéed until translucent
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1 can full-fat coconut milk
• 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 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, then add garlic and ginger, stirring until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Pour in the coconut milk, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Let the mixture simmer gently for a few minutes to combine the flavors.
5. Step 5: Place the seasoned cod fillets in a baking dish and pour the coconut lemon sauce evenly over them.
6. Step 6: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.

Tips & Variations

• For added freshness, garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley before serving.
• Swap cod for other white fish like haddock or tilapia if desired.
• Add a pinch of chili flakes to the sauce for a subtle spicy kick.

Storage

Store any leftover baked cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to avoid drying out the fish. The sauce may thicken upon cooling; stir in a splash of coconut milk or water when reheating if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

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

Yes, you can use light coconut milk, but full-fat coconut milk offers a richer, creamier sauce. Light coconut milk will produce a thinner sauce and milder flavor.

How do I know when the cod is fully cooked?

The cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork and appears opaque all the way through. Baking for 20-25 minutes at 180°C (350°F) usually ensures it’s perfectly cooked.

Baked Cod in Coconut Lemon Cream Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 109 reviews

This Baked Cod in Coconut Lemon Cream Sauce is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. Tender cod fillets are seasoned and baked in a creamy, tangy sauce made from sautéed onions, garlic, ginger, coconut milk, and fresh lemon juice and zest, delivering a comforting yet light meal in under 40 minutes.

• Author: Anna
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

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Fish and Seasoning

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

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) to ensure it’s ready for baking the cod later.
2. Season Cod: Generously sprinkle salt and pepper evenly over the cod fillets to enhance their natural flavor.
3. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent and soft, about 5 minutes. Then add minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring for another minute until fragrant.
4. Make Sauce: Pour in the coconut milk, then stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and lemon zest. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for a few minutes so the flavors meld together.
5. Assemble: Place the seasoned cod fillets into a baking dish in a single layer. Pour the coconut lemon cream sauce evenly over the fish.
6. Bake: Put the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout.
7. Serve: Remove from the oven and serve immediately, pairing well with steamed rice or sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.

Notes

• Make sure not to overbake the cod to keep it tender and flaky.
• Using full-fat coconut milk gives the sauce a richer flavor and creamier texture.
• Fresh lemon juice and zest brighten the dish, so avoid bottled lemon juice for best results.
• You can substitute cod with other white fish fillets such as haddock or halibut if desired.
• If preferred, garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley before serving.

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