Baked Cod in Coconut Lemon Cream Sauce

Baked Cod in Coconut Lemon Cream Sauce is a light, fresh, and flavorful dish that brings together tender flaky cod with a silky, zesty sauce made from coconut milk and lemon. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or elegant entertaining. With simple ingredients and vibrant flavors, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep.
Light Yet Satisfying – A healthy meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Dairy-Free – Creamy coconut milk gives a rich texture without dairy.
Elegant but Simple – A restaurant-quality dish made in your oven.
Perfectly Balanced – Bright lemon, sweet coconut, and flaky fish in harmony.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cod:

• 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika

For the Coconut Lemon Cream Sauce:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 shallot, finely chopped
• 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp turmeric (for color and subtle warmth)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional, balances acidity)
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Optional for Serving:

• Steamed jasmine rice or wild rice
• Roasted vegetables (broccoli, carrots, or asparagus)
• Lemon wedges

Tools You’ll Need

• Baking dish
• Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• Zester or fine grater
• Small bowl

Step-by-Step Instructions

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

Step 2: Make the Coconut Lemon Cream Sauce
In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and chopped shallot, sautéing for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and soft.
Stir in coconut milk, lemon zest, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, turmeric, and optional honey or maple syrup.
Whisk well and bring to a gentle simmer.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Let simmer for 5–7 minutes to thicken slightly.

Step 3: Bake the Cod
Pour the coconut lemon sauce over the seasoned cod fillets.
Bake uncovered for 15–18 minutes, or until the cod flakes easily with a fork and is opaque.
If needed, broil for the last 1–2 minutes for a slightly golden top.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Remove from oven and let rest for 2 minutes.
Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve with your choice of sides.
Add lemon wedges for extra brightness.

Tips for the Best Baked Cod
Use Fresh Cod – If using frozen, thaw completely and pat dry.
Don’t Overbake – Check for flakiness at the thickest part of the fillet.
Adjust Sauce Thickness – Simmer longer for a thicker sauce or add a splash of broth for thinner consistency.
Zest First – Always zest the lemon before juicing to avoid waste.
Add Veggies – Roasting vegetables in the same dish saves time and enhances flavor.

Serving Suggestions
Steamed Jasmine or Wild Rice – Ideal for soaking up the sauce.
Roasted Veggies – Try broccoli, carrots, asparagus, or bell peppers.
Crispy Roasted Potatoes – For a heartier option.
Fresh Salad – A light cucumber or arugula salad balances the richness.
Naan or Flatbread – Great for dipping into the coconut cream 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 over medium-low heat with a splash of coconut milk or broth.
Microwave: Reheat in short bursts, covered, to keep the fish moist.
Avoid overcooking when reheating to preserve the tender texture of the cod.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use another fish instead of cod?
   Yes! Try haddock, halibut, or tilapia for a similar mild flavor and flaky texture.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   You can prepare the sauce in advance and refrigerate it. Assemble and bake just before serving.
3. Is this dish dairy-free?
   Yes, the coconut milk replaces traditional cream, making it completely dairy-free.
4. How do I make it spicier?
   Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for heat.
5. Can I use light coconut milk?
   You can, but full-fat coconut milk gives the best creamy texture.

Final Thoughts
Baked Cod in Coconut Lemon Cream Sauce is an elegant, flavorful dish that’s surprisingly easy to make. With its flaky, tender fish and creamy, citrusy sauce, it’s the perfect combination of comfort and brightness. Whether you’re looking for a light dinner or a stunning entrée for guests, this recipe checks all the boxes.

Give it a try tonight—you’ll be amazed at how simple ingredients can create such a luxurious dish. Don’t forget to leave a review and share your kitchen success!

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

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 380 | Protein: 32g | Carbohydrates: 6g | Fat: 24g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 430mg

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