Baked Cod in Coconut Lemon Cream Sauce : A Flavorful Dish

If you’re looking for a light yet creamy seafood dish, this baked cod in coconut lemon cream sauce is a must-try! The tender, flaky white fish is baked in a rich, velvety sauce made with coconut milk, fresh lemon, and aromatic spices. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights but elegant enough for a dinner party. It pairs wonderfully with fish with coconut rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This white fish with lemon cream sauce is an easy, flavorful, and healthy meal that you’ll want to make again and again. Here’s why you’ll love it:

Tender and flaky fish – Baking the cod in a coconut sauce keeps it moist and flavorful.
Rich and creamy sauce – Coconut milk adds a luxurious texture without feeling too heavy.
Bright and zesty flavors – Lemon juice balances the richness and enhances the freshness of the dish.
Versatile and customizable – You can make variations like coconut curry cod fish recipes or swap the fish for salmon.

Ingredients Needed

For the Baked Cod:

4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder

For the Coconut Lemon Cream Sauce:

1 tablespoon butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup coconut milk (full-fat for best results)
½ cup heavy cream (or more coconut milk for a dairy-free version)
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon honey (optional, for a subtle sweetness)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

To make this baked fish in coconut milk, you’ll need:

Baking dish
Small saucepan
Whisk
Measuring cups and spoons
Cutting board and knife
Aluminum foil or parchment paper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare the Fish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil. Pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel, then season both sides with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Arrange the fillets in the prepared baking dish.

2. Make the Coconut Lemon Cream Sauce

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the coconut milk and heavy cream, whisking until smooth. Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, paprika, dried thyme, and honey (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat.

3. Bake the Cod in the Sauce

Pour the coconut lemon cream sauce over the cod fillets, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

4. Garnish and Serve

Remove the cod from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon juice for added brightness. Serve hot with your favorite sides.

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Tips for the Best Baked Cod

Use fresh fish if possible – Fresh cod has the best texture, but frozen fillets work well too (just thaw them first).
Don’t overcook the fish – Cod is done when it flakes easily; overcooking can make it dry.
Balance the flavors – The lemon adds acidity, the coconut milk adds richness, and the honey brings a slight sweetness—adjust to taste!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping the seasoning – A little garlic powder and salt enhance the natural flavor of the fish.
Using low-fat coconut milk – Full-fat coconut milk creates the creamiest sauce.
Baking too long – Cod cooks quickly, so check it at the 15-minute mark.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

For a beautiful presentation, serve this coconut cod recipe with:

Fish with coconut rice – The coconut-infused rice complements the creamy sauce.
Steamed vegetables – Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans add a fresh contrast.
Roasted potatoes – Crispy potatoes absorb the delicious sauce beautifully.

Variations and Recipe Swaps

Coconut Curry Cod Fish Recipes – Add 1 teaspoon of curry powder to the sauce for a mild coconut curry twist.
Honey Cod Recipes – Increase the honey to 1 tablespoon for a slightly sweeter, glazed finish.
Coconut Cream Salmon Recipes – Swap the cod for salmon and bake for 18-20 minutes.
Baked Cod with Coconut Milk and Lemon – Skip the heavy cream and use only coconut milk for a dairy-free version.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze cooked cod with the sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave for 30-second intervals to prevent overcooking.

What to Serve with Baked Cod in Coconut Lemon Cream Sauce

This dish pairs well with:

Coconut Jasmine Rice – Absorbs the creamy sauce beautifully.
Garlic Butter Asparagus – A fresh, flavorful veggie side.
Crispy Roasted Sweet Potatoes – A touch of sweetness balances the rich sauce.

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FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of fish?
Yes! Halibut, tilapia, or salmon work well in this recipe.

2. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Absolutely! Replace the heavy cream with extra coconut milk for a fully dairy-free version.

3. What if I don’t have fresh lemon?
You can use bottled lemon juice, but fresh lemon adds the best flavor.

4. How do I know when the cod is fully cooked?
The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. A thermometer should read 145°F (63°C) at the thickest part.

Conclusion

This baked cod in coconut lemon cream sauce is a simple yet elegant dish that brings together creamy, zesty, and savory flavors in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or looking for new coconut cod recipes, this dish is a guaranteed winner. Try it out, and let us know how you like it! If you enjoyed this recipe, share it with friends and subscribe for more delicious seafood ideas.