Tangy Baked Cod in Coconut Lemon Cream Sauce Recipe

Sailing through culinary waters, this baked cod in coconut lemon cream sauce promises a delightful ocean-inspired adventure.

Bright citrus notes dance alongside rich coconut undertones, creating a harmonious flavor profile.

Marine proteins shine with delicate complexity in this straightforward Mediterranean-style preparation.

Subtle aromatics whisper promises of coastal comfort without overwhelming delicate fish textures.

Fresh ingredients converge to craft an elegant meal that feels simultaneously sophisticated and approachable.

Minimal kitchen skills deliver maximum dining satisfaction with this uncomplicated yet impressive seafood selection.

What Makes Baked Cod In Lemon Cream Sauce Special

• Savor Quick Seafood Delight: This cod recipe offers multiple irresistible advantages for home cooks.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Requires only 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners with minimal kitchen effort.
• Healthy Gourmet Experience: Combines nutritious cod with creamy coconut sauce, delivering restaurant-quality meal packed with lean protein and exotic flavors without complicated techniques.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Easily adaptable for different dietary preferences, can be served with rice, salad, or roasted vegetables, making it ideal for family meals or elegant dinner parties.

Baked Cod In Coconut Lemon Sauce Ingredients

• Cod Fillets: White, mild-flavored fish that absorbs flavors beautifully, ideal for baking and pairing with creamy sauces.

• Olive Oil: Helps prevent sticking and adds a subtle fruity flavor to the fish.

• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the natural taste of the cod.

• Coconut Milk: Creamy, rich liquid that creates a luxurious sauce with tropical undertones.
• Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Adds bright, tangy citrus flavor and helps balance the richness of the coconut milk.

• Garlic Cloves: Provides a pungent, savory depth to the sauce.
• Ginger: Optional ingredient that adds a warm, slightly spicy kick to the dish.

• Cornstarch, Water: Creates a slurry to help thicken and bind the sauce, ensuring a smooth and consistent texture.

Tasty Baked Cod in Coconut Lemon Cream Sauce – Cooking Steps

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F, getting it ready for your seafood adventure.

Step 2: Prep the Baking Vessel

Grab a baking dish and give it a light coating of cooking spray.

Gently nestle the cod fillets into the dish.

Drizzle with a whisper of olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper to wake up those flavors.

Step 3: Craft the Creamy Coconut Sauce

• Coconut milk
• Fresh lemon juice
• Lemon zest
• Minced garlic
• Grated ginger

Coax these ingredients to a soft simmer, letting their aromas mingle and merge.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

Whisk in the cornstarch slurry, stirring until the sauce transforms into a luxurious, slightly thickened blanket of flavor.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the velvety sauce over the cod, ensuring each fillet gets a loving coating.

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes.

The cod is ready when it easily flakes with a gentle prod of a fork.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh parsley or cilantro over the top for a burst of color and fresh flavor.

Serve piping hot and watch eyes light up with anticipation.

Baked Cod With Coconut Lemon Sauce and Easy Broiling Tips

• Select high-quality, fresh cod fillets with a firm texture and mild ocean scent for the best flavor and tenderness.
• Whisk cornstarch slurry thoroughly to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth, silky sauce that perfectly coats the fish.
• Check cod at 15 minutes to prevent overcooking, as fish cooks quickly and can become dry if left too long in the oven.
• Replace cornstarch with xanthan gum for a keto-friendly version that maintains the sauce's creamy texture without adding carbohydrates.
• Chop fresh parsley or cilantro just before serving to release maximum aromatic oils and brighten the dish's overall taste profile.

Warm Baked Cod With Cream Sauce Again

• Store leftover cod in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 1-2 days in the refrigerator.
• Warm the fish in the oven at 275°F for 10-15 minutes to prevent drying out, covering with foil to retain moisture.
• Wrap cooled cod tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring sauce is included for best flavor preservation.
• If using microwave, heat in short 30-second intervals at 50% power to maintain texture and prevent overcooking.

Smart Sides for Baked Cod in Coconut Lemon Cream Sauce

• Pair Zesty White Wine: Select a crisp, acidic Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complements the lemon's brightness and cuts through the creamy coconut sauce.
• Create Tropical Rice Side: Serve fragrant jasmine or coconut rice alongside the cod to soak up the delicious sauce and enhance the dish's tropical flavor profile.
• Match Crunchy Green Salad: Prepare a light salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a citrus vinaigrette to provide a fresh, crisp contrast to the rich, creamy fish.
• Select Crusty Bread: Include warm, crusty sourdough or French bread to help diners mop up the delectable coconut lemon cream sauce and add textural variety.

Baked Cod in Coconut Lemon Sauce Variants

• Dairy-Free Version: Replace coconut milk with almond milk or cashew cream for a lighter, nut-based sauce that maintains creamy texture.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap cornstarch for xanthan gum to thicken sauce without adding carbohydrates, perfect for keto dieters.
• Gluten-Free Option: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, using alternative thickeners like arrowroot powder instead of cornstarch.
• Herb-Infused Variation: Substitute parsley with fresh dill or chives, adding a different herbal note to complement the lemon and coconut flavors.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?

Yes, you can. Thaw frozen cod completely in the refrigerator overnight before using. Pat the fish dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture for the best results.

• Is cornstarch necessary for the sauce?

Cornstarch helps thicken the sauce and gives it a smooth, silky texture. If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use arrowroot powder or all-purpose flour as a substitute.

• How do I know when the cod is fully cooked?

The cod is done when it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). Avoid overcooking to prevent the fish from becoming dry and tough.

• Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

This recipe is already dairy-free since it uses coconut milk instead of cream. It’s naturally suitable for those avoiding dairy products and can be easily adapted for various dietary needs.

Tasty Baked Cod In Coconut Lemon Cream Sauce Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Sumptuous Baked Cod in Coconut Lemon Cream Sauce brings Mediterranean coastal flavors to your dinner table with elegant simplicity. Delicate fish nestles in a silky, fragrant sauce that whispers of tropical sunshine and coastal comfort for eager palates.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 cod fillets

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger (optional)
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• Salt and pepper to taste

Sauce and Cooking Ingredients:

• 1 can (13.5 ounces / 400 milliliters) coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Set the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) to create an ideal cooking environment for the delicate cod fillets.
2. Prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing its surface, then carefully arrange the cod fillets, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
3. Enhance the fish’s flavor profile by drizzling olive oil over the fillets and seasoning generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
4. Create the signature coconut lemon cream sauce by combining coconut milk, freshly squeezed lemon juice, fragrant lemon zest, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a saucepan.
5. Warm the mixture over medium heat, bringing it to a gentle simmer to allow the flavors to meld together harmoniously.
6. Incorporate the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens and becomes slightly glossy.
7. Carefully pour the aromatic coconut lemon cream sauce over the seasoned cod fillets, ensuring even coverage.
8. Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the fish becomes opaque and easily flakes when tested with a fork.
9. Remove from the oven and add a final touch of freshness by garnishing with finely chopped parsley or cilantro.
10. Serve the baked cod immediately while the sauce is still warm, presenting a vibrant and flavorful seafood dish.

Notes

• Pick fresh, high-quality cod fillets with firm, white flesh for the best flavor and texture.
• Adjust cooking time based on the thickness of your fish to prevent overcooking, which can make cod dry and tough.
• Use full-fat coconut milk for a richer, creamier sauce that coats the fish beautifully.
• Swap cod with other mild white fish like halibut or tilapia if cod is unavailable or too expensive.
• For a gluten-free version, ensure cornstarch is certified gluten-free and use tamari instead of regular soy sauce.
• Add red pepper flakes or cayenne for a spicy kick that complements the creamy, zesty sauce.
• Let the fish rest for 2-3 minutes after baking to help it retain moisture and develop deeper flavors.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 60mg