Experience a delightful seafood creation with tender baked cod immersed in a luxuriously creamy coconut lemon sauce. The tang of fresh lemon juice and zest perfectly balances the richness of coconut milk and cream, while garlic, onion, and a hint of spice elevate each bite into a vibrant, unforgettable culinary journey. Savor every bite.

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I wanted to share a recipe that i recently tried and really enjoyed. Its a unique baked cod in coconut lemon cream sauce.

I start by seasoning four cod fillets with salt and freshly ground black pepper and lightly cook them in olive oil. Then i add minced garlic and thinly sliced yellow onion to really build flavor.

After that i whip up a sauce with full-fat coconut milk, half a cup of heavy cream, lemon zest and the juice from two lemons. I sometimes add a small red chili for a little kick if im feeling adventurous.

This recipe is one i turn to when i need a dinner in an hour or when i want to prepare a healthy seafood meal thats also a delicious entree. It is perfect if youre wondering what goes with baked fish or what to pair with fish.

I finish it off with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or parsley for extra zest.

Why I Like this Recipe

I really like this recipe for several reasons:

1. I dig the creamy sauce made with coconut milk, heavy cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice. It gives the dish a tangy, tropical kick that I just can’t get enough of.
2. I love how the garlic and onions mellow out when cooked and add a rich flavor to the cod, making every bite feel so satisfying.
3. I appreciate how easy it is to prepare. Even though it sounds fancy, it’s actually a simple process that works perfectly for a weeknight dinner.
4. And lastly, the cod comes out so tender and flaky, which makes the whole dish really comforting and delicious.

Ingredients

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Cod fillets supply lean, high quality protein and bring a mild seafood essence.
Coconut milk offers healthy fats and a rich, creamy tropical sweetness that thrills the palate.
Heavy cream creates a velvety sauce and provides a mild dairy richness in every bite.
Lemon zest and juice add a bright, tangy burst that nicely balances the creaminess.
Garlic infuses an earthy, bold flavor and gives a nice savory kick.
Yellow onions add natural sweetness and a slight crunch when they are gently cooked.
Red chili intensifies the dish with a smoky, spicy heat that excites your taste buds.
Fresh cilantro or parsley boosts flavor with a herbal freshness perfect for finishing touches.

Ingredient Quantities

4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)

Salt, to taste

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1 tbsp olive oil

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced

1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk

1/2 cup heavy cream

Zest of 1 lemon

Juice of 2 lemons

1 small red chili, seeded and finely chopped (optional)

Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)

How to Make this

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1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.

2. Season the cod fillets with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides.

3. Heat the olive oil in an oven safe skillet over medium heat and throw in the minced garlic and thinly sliced yellow onion. Cook them until they start to soften and turn a bit golden.

4. Pour in the full-fat coconut milk and heavy cream then add the zest of one lemon and the juice of two lemons. Stir gently so everything mixes well.

5. If you like some heat, toss in the finely chopped red chili at this point.

6. Let the sauce simmer for about 2 minutes to let all the flavors merge together.

7. Carefully place the cod fillets into the sauce making sure to spoon some mixture over each piece.

8. Slide the skillet into the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cod starts flaking easily when you test it.

9. Once it’s done, take the skillet out and give the dish a minute to rest. Taste and add extra salt or pepper if you think its needed.

10. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley if you want and serve warm. Enjoy your tasty meal!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven – you’ll need one that can reach 400°F
2. Oven safe skillet – to brown the garlic and onion and then bake the cod
3. Stove or burner – for heating the skillet before it goes into the oven
4. Chef’s knife – for chopping the garlic, onion, and red chili
5. Cutting board – to safely slice and dice the veggies
6. Measuring cups and spoons – for the coconut milk, heavy cream, olive oil, and lemon juice
7. Zester or grater – to get the lemon zest
8. Wooden spoon or spatula – for stirring the sauce and mixing all the flavors together
9. Citrus juicer (optional) – makes squeezing the lemon easier
10. Serving plate – to garnish and serve the finished dish

FAQ

How do I know when the cod is done cooking?

The cod should flake easily when you test it with a fork, usually take around 12-15 minutes in a preheated oven at 400°F. If its opaque all through out, it's ready.

Can I use a different kind of fish if I can't find cod?

Yes, you can use other firm white fish like haddock or pollock. Just be sure to adjust cooking time if needed so its not overcooked.

Do I have to use full-fat coconut milk or can I switch to lite?

Full-fat works best for a creamy sauce. If you use lite, the sauce might be thinner and less rich.

Is it possible to make this dish less creamy or healthier?

Sure, you could cut down on the heavy cream or use half-and-half, but do note that it might change the texture and the richness of the sauce a bit.

Can I add other herbs instead of cilantro or parsley?

Absolutely, you can experiment with basil or even a bit of dill to get a different flavor profile that still complements the dish.

Tasty Baked Cod In Coconut Lemon Cream Sauce Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Instead of cod fillets, you can use tilapia or haddock – these fish work pretty well in a baked dish and still have a flaky texture
If you dont have heavy cream, try mixing half and half with a splash of melted butter to get that rich creamy taste
You can swap full-fat coconut milk with coconut cream thinned out with a bit of water if your pantry is low on supplies
If you’re out of olive oil, avocado oil is a good alternative that brings a similar flavor and quality
Not into red chili? Red pepper flakes work fine to keep a little heat in your dish

Pro Tips

1) When youre searing the garlic and onions, make sure your pan’s not too hot. If its too hot the garlic might burn and ruin the flavor.

2) Let the sauce simmer just enough so that all the flavors really mix together. Over cooking could make the sauce too thick and mask the lightness of the cod.

3) Taste the sauce before adding the fish. Sometimes a little extra salt, pepper, or even lemon juice at this stage can really bring out the best in the dish.

4) If you decide to use the chili for some heat, add it gradually. Not everyone likes too much spice so its good to balance it out slowly.