Baked Cod in Coconut Lemon Cream sauce
Baked Cod in Coconut Lemon Cream sauce is a creamy, zesty dish that balances tender, flaky cod with a rich, tangy coconut-lemon sauce. This easy-to-make recipe combines fresh ingredients for a healthy, flavorful dinner that is dairy-free, gluten-free, and suitable for the whole family.
- Author: Sarah
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion
- Diet: Gluten Free, Dairy Free
Fish
- 4 fresh cod fillets (firm, skinless, about 6 oz each)
Sauce
- 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes
- Prepare the ingredients: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat cod fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides of the fillets with salt and pepper. Mince the garlic cloves finely and set aside.
- Make the coconut lemon cream sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, warm olive oil and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the coconut milk, stir, then add fresh lemon juice and a pinch of salt. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Arrange cod in the baking dish: Lightly oil a baking dish and place the seasoned cod fillets evenly inside. Pour the coconut lemon cream sauce generously over the fillets, ensuring each piece is well coated.
- Bake until tender: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and the sauce bubbles gently around the edges.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs and optional chili flakes. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Choose fresh cod for the best flavor and texture.
- Do not overbake to keep the fish moist and tender.
- Use full-fat coconut milk for a rich and creamy sauce.
- Adjust lemon juice gradually to balance creaminess and brightness.
- Allow the dish to rest a few minutes after baking to meld flavors.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Freeze cooked cod with sauce for up to 1 month; thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheat gently on low heat or in the oven; avoid microwave reheating to prevent texture changes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet with sauce
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: baked cod, coconut lemon cream sauce, dairy free, gluten free, healthy seafood, easy dinner, creamy fish recipe