If you’re craving a light seafood dinner that feels gourmet but comes together with minimal effort, this Baked Cod in Coconut Lemon Cream Sauce is your go-to dish. Tender white fish bakes gently in a creamy coconut milk sauce infused with garlic, lemon, and herbs — creating a flavorful, dairy-free meal that’s both elegant and approachable.
This dish is ideal for busy weeknights, dinner parties, or anytime you want something healthy, comforting, and fresh. The sauce is velvety smooth, the cod is flaky and moist, and the lemon-coconut combination adds a refreshing tropical flair.
🛒 Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup full-fat coconut milk (from a can, well-shaken)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped, for garnish
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or oven-safe skillet.
2. Season the cod
Pat cod fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika (if using). Place them in the baking dish.
3. Make the sauce
In a small saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute). Stir in coconut milk, lemon juice, zest, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to slightly thicken and allow flavors to blend.
4. Bake the fish
Pour the coconut lemon sauce over the cod fillets. Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is opaque in the center. Thicker fillets may take closer to 22 minutes.
5. Serve
Spoon extra sauce over the cod, garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro, and serve immediately.
🍽 Nutrition Info (per serving – serves 4)
- Calories: 310
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 390mg
Nutrition may vary depending on the size of fillets and brand of coconut milk.
✅ Tips & Variations
- Use another white fish: Try haddock, halibut, or tilapia.
- Make it extra lemony: Add thin lemon slices over the cod before baking.
- Add veggies: Bake the fish with cherry tomatoes or spinach in the same dish.
- Creamier sauce: Stir in a tablespoon of nutritional yeast or dairy-free cream cheese.
- Meal prep: This dish reheats beautifully — store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
🍴 Serving Suggestions
- Serve with jasmine rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice
- Pair with steamed broccoli, asparagus, or a fresh arugula salad
- Drizzle extra sauce over roasted potatoes or couscous
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