Baked Cod in Coconut Lemon Cream Sauce Recipe
This Baked Cod in Coconut Lemon Cream Sauce is a delightful and creamy seafood dish featuring tender cod fillets baked in a rich coconut milk sauce infused with fresh lemon juice, garlic, and a blend of aromatic spices. The sauce adds a luscious, zesty flavor that perfectly complements the mild, flaky fish, making for a healthy and flavorful meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Fish
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing)
Coconut Lemon Cream Sauce
- 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon turmeric (optional, for color and warmth)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Season the Cod: Pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Season both sides of the fillets evenly with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Arrange the fillets in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare the Coconut Lemon Cream Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, ground cumin, turmeric (if using), and red pepper flakes. This combination will create a creamy, flavorful sauce to infuse the fish as it bakes.
- Pour the Sauce Over the Cod: Evenly pour the prepared coconut lemon cream sauce over the cod fillets, making sure each fillet is well coated with the sauce.
- Bake the Cod: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes or until the cod is opaque throughout and flakes easily when tested with a fork. Be careful not to overcook to keep the fish tender and moist.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the cod from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes. Sprinkle the freshly chopped parsley on top before serving. Serve immediately with your favorite sides such as steamed vegetables or rice.
Notes
- You can substitute cod with other firm white fish such as haddock or halibut.
- For extra heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- This dish pairs well with steamed asparagus, sautéed greens, or a light quinoa salad.
- If you prefer, you can omit turmeric for a milder flavor profile.
Keywords: baked cod, coconut lemon cream sauce, seafood recipe, healthy fish dish, gluten free dinner, easy baked fish
