Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Baked Cod in Coconut Lemon Cream Sauce is the kind of dish that feels elegant yet effortless—a silky, citrus-brightened sauce enveloping tender, flaky cod. The pairing of coconut milk and lemon creates a beautiful balance of richness and freshness, while gentle baking ensures the fish stays moist and delicate. I particularly love how adaptable this recipe is; once, when I ran out of coconut milk, I blended a bit of almond milk with a touch of cream, and the result was still smooth and flavourful. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, but it also shines at dinner parties because it looks and tastes far more complex than it is. The sauce cooks right in the baking dish, eliminating extra steps while infusing the cod with layers of aromatic flavour. It’s simple, bright, comforting, and wonderfully memorable.
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Baked Cod in Coconut Lemon Cream Sauce: A Light, Velvety, Restaurant-Quality Dinner
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Tender flaky cod baked in a rich coconut lemon cream sauce infused with garlic, herbs, and bright citrus flavor—an easy, elegant dinner made in one pan.
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets (5–6 oz each)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional for richness)
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh dill or basil, chopped (optional)
- Lemon slices for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
- Pat cod fillets dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- In a bowl, whisk together coconut milk, heavy cream (if using), garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and herbs.
- Place cod fillets in the baking dish and pour the coconut lemon cream sauce over them.
- Top each fillet with a lemon slice.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until cod flakes easily with a fork.
- Spoon sauce over the fish before serving.
Notes
- Use full-fat coconut milk for the creamiest sauce.
- Serve with rice, quinoa, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
- Swap cod for halibut, tilapia, or salmon.
- Add spinach or cherry tomatoes to the dish for extra color and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Cod fillets
Mild, flaky, and lean, cod is an ideal canvas for the rich coconut lemon sauce. It absorbs flavours beautifully without becoming heavy.
Coconut milk
Provides the creamy backbone of the sauce. Its natural sweetness balances the acidity of lemon and keeps the dish dairy-light.
Lemon juice and zest
These add brightness, cutting through the richness and elevating the aromatic profile of the sauce.
Garlic
Fresh garlic infuses the sauce with savoury depth, complementing the mild flavour of the cod.
Butter
Melts into the sauce for added richness and helps create a velvety texture.
Onion or shallots
Aromatic and slightly sweet, they enhance the base flavours without overshadowing the fish.
Fresh herbs (parsley or cilantro)
Add colour and freshness, making the final dish vibrant and balanced.
Salt and black pepper
Simple but essential seasonings that highlight the natural flavours of the fish and sauce.
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Introduce gentle heat that pairs beautifully with the citrus and coconut.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a baking dish. Begin by sautéing the onions or shallots in a small amount of butter until softened and lightly fragrant. Add the minced garlic and cook briefly, ensuring it does not brown. Pour in the coconut milk and stir until smooth, then add lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Let the mixture warm gently for a minute to meld the flavours.
Place the cod fillets in the prepared baking dish, season with a touch more salt and pepper, and pour the coconut lemon cream sauce evenly over them. The sauce should just cover the fish. Scatter small pats of butter over the top to give the sauce extra richness as it bakes.
Bake for 15–20 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets. Cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork and turns opaque throughout. Remove the dish from the oven and allow it to rest so the sauce slightly thickens. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving, and spoon the warm sauce generously over each portion.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
Serves 4 people.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of coconut milk or water to prevent the sauce from becoming too thick. Fish can overcook easily when reheated, so warm only until just heated through. This dish is not ideal for freezing, as the texture of the sauce may separate.
Variations and Customizations
Spicy Coconut Lemongrass Version
Add lemongrass and extra red pepper flakes to give the sauce Southeast Asian flair.
Tomato Coconut Cream
Stir in a spoonful of tomato paste for colour and a richer, slightly tangy depth.
Curry-Infused Cod
Mix a mild curry powder into the coconut milk for a warm, aromatic profile.
Herb-Heavy Mediterranean Twist
Use basil, parsley, and oregano with extra lemon for a Mediterranean feel.
Ginger Coconut Cod
Fresh ginger grated into the sauce adds brightness and gentle heat.
Creamier Reduction
Simmer the coconut milk a bit longer before baking for a thicker, richer sauce.
Veggie Add-In
Add baby spinach, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini slices to the baking dish for a full one-pan meal.
Crispy Topping
Sprinkle lightly with seasoned breadcrumbs before baking for added texture.
Dairy-Free Lemon “Cream”
Use only coconut milk and a touch of almond milk for a lighter, lactose-free variation.
Shrimp or Salmon Substitute
Replace cod with shrimp or salmon; adjust cooking time accordingly.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cod?
Yes, but thaw fully and pat dry to prevent excess moisture in the sauce.
Can I use light coconut milk?
Yes, though the sauce will be thinner. Reduce slightly for better consistency.
Why is my sauce separating?
Boiling coconut milk too hard can cause separation; keep heat gentle.
Can I make this dish ahead?
You can assemble the sauce ahead, but bake the fish just before serving.
What other fish can I use?
Halibut, haddock, tilapia, or pollock all work well.
Can I omit the butter?
Yes, but the sauce will be slightly less rich and silky.
Do I need to cover the baking dish?
No, baking uncovered allows the sauce to thicken slightly.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is strongly recommended for best flavour.
How do I know when cod is done?
It should flake easily with a fork and appear opaque throughout.
Can I serve this over pasta or rice?
Absolutely. The sauce pairs beautifully with rice, couscous, or linguine.
Conclusion
Baked Cod in Coconut Lemon Cream Sauce is an elegant yet accessible dish perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Its combination of tender fish, fresh citrus, and creamy coconut makes it wonderfully balanced, comforting, and wholesome. With its simplicity, adaptability, and restaurant-quality results, this recipe is sure to become a beloved favourite in your kitchen. You’ll return to it whenever you crave something light, flavourful, and effortlessly impressive.
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