Baked Cod in Coconut Lemon Cream Sauce Recipe
Introduction
This baked cod in coconut lemon cream sauce is a delightful way to enjoy fresh fish with vibrant flavors. The creamy sauce, infused with ginger and lemon, perfectly complements the tender cod fillets for an easy yet impressive meal.
Ingredients
- 21 oz / 600g cod fillets
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1.2 cups / 300ml coconut milk
- 1 large lemon (juice and zest)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) to ensure it’s ready when the sauce is done.
- Step 2: Season the cod fillets with salt and black pepper to taste, enhancing their natural flavor.
- Step 3: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and sauté until translucent. Stir in the grated ginger and crushed garlic, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Pour in the coconut milk and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the lemon juice and zest, then remove from heat.
- Step 5: Place the seasoned cod fillets in a baking dish and pour the coconut-lemon cream sauce over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Step 6: Remove from the oven and serve the cod with the rich coconut sauce. Pair with steamed rice or your favorite vegetables for a complete meal.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh cod fillets for the best texture, but you can substitute with other white fish like haddock or pollock.
- Add a handful of chopped fresh cilantro or parsley just before serving for extra freshness.
- For a spicy kick, include a pinch of red chili flakes when cooking the garlic and ginger.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer the coconut milk for a few extra minutes before adding the lemon.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to avoid drying out the fish. The sauce may thicken when chilled; stir in a splash of water or coconut milk when reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use canned cod for this recipe?
It’s best to use fresh or frozen cod fillets for baking, as canned cod is usually pre-cooked and may become too soft or dry when baked.
Is this dish suitable for dairy-free diets?
Yes, this recipe is naturally dairy-free since it uses coconut milk instead of cream, making it great for those avoiding dairy.
PrintBaked Cod in Coconut Lemon Cream Sauce Recipe
This Baked Cod in Coconut Lemon Cream Sauce is a delicate and flavorful seafood dish featuring tender cod fillets baked in a creamy, zesty sauce made from coconut milk, fresh lemon, ginger, and garlic. Perfectly balanced with bright citrus notes and a rich, velvety texture, it is an easy-to-make recipe ideal for a wholesome dinner served alongside rice or vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
For the Cod:
- 21 oz / 600g cod fillets
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Coconut-Lemon Cream Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1.2 cups / 300ml coconut milk
- 1 large lemon (juice and zest)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) to ensure it’s ready when the sauce is done.
- Season the Cod: Season the cod fillets evenly with salt and black pepper to enhance the natural flavor of the fish.
- Prepare the Coconut-Lemon Cream Sauce: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the grated fresh ginger and crushed garlic cloves and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Pour in the coconut milk and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and zest to add bright citrus notes to the sauce.
- Assemble and Bake: Place the seasoned cod fillets in a baking dish and carefully pour the coconut-lemon cream sauce over the fish, ensuring even coverage. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cod flakes easily when tested with a fork, indicating it is thoroughly cooked.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the baking dish from the oven and serve the cod immediately, spooning extra coconut lemon sauce over the top. This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice or sautéed vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best bright, fresh flavor in the sauce.
- Make sure not to overcook the cod; it should flake easily but remain moist and tender.
- You can substitute cod with other white fish fillets such as haddock or halibut if preferred.
- This dish is naturally gluten-free.
- For extra flavor, garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley before serving.
Keywords: baked cod recipe, coconut lemon cream sauce, healthy fish dinner, gluten free seafood, easy baked fish, coconut milk sauce, cod fillets
