Tasty Baked Cod in Coconut Lemon Cream Sauce Recipe
This Tasty Baked Cod in Coconut Lemon Cream Sauce is a delightful, creamy seafood dish featuring tender cod fillets baked in a luscious coconut milk and lemon-infused cream sauce. Perfect for a comforting dinner, this recipe combines subtle tropical flavors with aromatic herbs for a rich, flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.
- Author: Dana
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking, Searing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Fish
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Preheat and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking and prepare for the fish.
- Season the cod: Season the cod fillets on both sides with salt and pepper according to taste, then place them in the greased baking dish evenly spaced.
- Sear the cod (optional): Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the fillets for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown for extra flavor and texture, then remove from heat and set aside.
- Make the sauce base: In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Add liquids and seasonings: Pour in the coconut milk and heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Add lemon zest, lemon juice, dried thyme, and paprika to the mixture. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and allow it to thicken slightly for about 3-5 minutes while stirring occasionally.
- Pour sauce over fish: Carefully pour the creamy coconut lemon sauce evenly over the cod fillets in the baking dish, ensuring each piece is well covered.
- Bake the fish: Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. The cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately paired with your choice of rice or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can substitute cod with other white fish such as haddock or halibut if preferred.
- For a spicier flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chili powder to the sauce.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, quinoa, or steamed vegetables for a wholesome meal.
- To save time, the searing step can be skipped but it adds a nice texture and flavor to the cod.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cod fillet with sauce (approx. 6 oz fish + sauce)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: Baked Cod, Coconut Lemon Cream Sauce, Easy Seafood Recipe, Healthy Dinner, Creamy Fish Dish