Description

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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Ingredients

Scale

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

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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.

Notes

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.

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