Name: Baked Cod in Coconut Lemon Cream Sauce: A Quick and Flavorful Weeknight Dinner
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients: 21 oz / 600g cod fillets; Salt, to taste; 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)

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If you’re searching for Baked Cod in Coconut Lemon Cream Sauce: A Quick and Flavorful Weeknight Dinner that feels special without requiring hours in the kitchen, this baked cod in coconut lemon cream sauce is exactly what you need. The delicate, flaky cod melds beautifully with the creamy, tangy sauce made from coconut milk and fresh lemon, creating a dish that’s both comforting and vibrant. It’s light yet satisfying, packed with bright flavors and just the right amount of zest. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a hungry family, this recipe is a total crowd-pleaser that comes together effortlessly on busy evenings.

A Quick and Flavorful Weeknight Dinner Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are refreshingly simple but each plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and perfect texture for this dish. From the flaky cod to the creamy coconut milk and vibrant lemon, every element is essential.

600g cod fillets: Fresh or thawed, choose firm fillets that will hold up well during baking.
Salt and black pepper: Basic seasonings that bring out the natural flavor of the fish.
2 tbsp olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps sauté the aromatics gently.
1 medium onion, thinly sliced: Provides sweetness and depth to the sauce.
1 tbsp grated fresh ginger: Adds a warm, zesty kick that brightens the creaminess.
2 garlic cloves, crushed: Infuses the sauce with savory richness and aroma.
300ml coconut milk: The creamy base that makes the sauce luscious and dairy-free.
1 large lemon (juice and zest): The star ingredient that gives the dish its signature fresh, tangy lift.

How to Make Baked Cod in Coconut Lemon Cream Sauce: A Quick and Flavorful Weeknight Dinner

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). This ensures the oven is perfectly hot when your sauce is ready and helps the cod cook evenly without waiting around.

Step 2: Season the Cod

Lightly season your cod fillets with salt and black pepper. This simple step is key because it enhances the natural flavor of the fish and frames the sauce beautifully.

Step 3: Prepare the Coconut-Lemon Cream Sauce

In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil and add the thinly sliced onion. Sauté the onion until translucent and soft, allowing its sweetness to develop. Stir in the grated fresh ginger and crushed garlic, cooking just about a minute until fragrant. Pour in the coconut milk and bring this mixture to a gentle simmer. Finally, stir in the fresh lemon juice and zest, which brighten and balance the creamy richness perfectly.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Place the seasoned cod fillets in a baking dish and pour your coconut-lemon cream sauce over the top. Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the fish flakes easily at the touch of a fork and the sauce bubbles lightly around it.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once baked, serve your cod fillets nestled in the luxurious sauce. This is the moment where the magic happens—creamy, tangy, and perfectly cooked cod, all ready for your dinner table!

How to Serve Baked Cod in Coconut Lemon Cream Sauce: A Quick and Flavorful Weeknight Dinner

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro or parsley adds a burst of green freshness and a subtle herbal note that complements the coconut and lemon beautifully. You could also add a few thin lemon slices or a light dusting of paprika for color and mild warmth.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with fluffy jasmine or basmati rice that soaks up the luscious sauce. For a lighter option, steamed green vegetables like broccoli or asparagus bring a fresh crunch and vibrant color that balance the creamy cod.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the baked cod over a bed of coconut rice or alongside mango salsa to echo the tropical vibe. For a more elegant presentation, arrange the fish on individual plates with sauce drizzled over and garnish with edible flowers or microgreens for a restaurant-worthy look at home.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store the cod and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This helps keep the fish moist and prevents the sauce from becoming too thick or separated.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked cod and sauce but it’s best to do so within two days of cooking. Use freezer-safe containers and leave some space at the top as the sauce may expand when frozen.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave at medium power to avoid drying out the fish. Stir the sauce occasionally as it warms to restore its creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use other types of fish for this recipe?

Absolutely! While cod’s mild flavor and flaky texture work perfectly, you can substitute with haddock, halibut, or even firm salmon for a richer taste.

Is this dish dairy-free?

Yes, the coconut milk replaces cream or butter, making it a great creamy sauce alternative for those avoiding dairy.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add a pinch of chili flakes or some fresh chopped chili when cooking the ginger and garlic for a gentle heat lift that pairs wonderfully with the lemon.

Can I prepare any components ahead of time?

You can prepare the coconut-lemon sauce a few hours in advance and reheat gently before assembling the dish to save even more time on a busy night.

What if I don’t have fresh ginger?

Ground ginger can be used as a substitute, but fresh ginger really adds a bright, zesty punch that makes this dish shine.

Final Thoughts

This baked cod in coconut lemon cream sauce is truly an A Quick and Flavorful Weeknight Dinner that brings joy and ease to your table. Every time I make it, I’m reminded how simple ingredients can create such elegance and comfort. Give it a try, and I promise it will become a beloved staple for your weeknight dinners too!

Baked Cod in Coconut Lemon Cream Sauce: A Quick and Flavorful Weeknight Dinner

★★★★★

4.9 from 28 reviews

Author: Charlotte
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

This Baked Cod in Coconut Lemon Cream Sauce is a quick, flavorful, and light weeknight dinner that combines tender cod fillets with a rich, tangy coconut-lemon sauce. It’s easy to prepare, making it a perfect meal for busy evenings while delivering a delicious balance of fresh and creamy flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cod:

21 oz / 600g cod fillets
Salt, to taste
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 finished and the cod is ready to bake.
Season the Cod: Pat the cod fillets dry, then season both sides with salt and black pepper to enhance their natural flavor.
Prepare the Coconut-Lemon Cream Sauce: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and sauté until translucent and soft, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the grated fresh ginger and crushed garlic, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant. Pour in the coconut milk, gently bringing the mixture to a simmer. Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice and zest, which add a bright, fresh tang to the creamy sauce.
Assemble and Bake: Place the seasoned cod fillets in a baking dish in a single layer. Pour the coconut-lemon cream sauce evenly over the fish. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout.
Serve and Enjoy: Remove the baked cod from the oven and serve immediately with the luscious coconut sauce spooned over the top. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, quinoa, or sautéed vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Notes

For best results, use fresh cod fillets that are firm and moist.
Adjust the amount of lemon juice according to your taste preference for acidity.
You can substitute coconut milk with light coconut milk for a lower-calorie option.
Optional garnish: fresh chopped cilantro or parsley to add a fresh finish.
If you prefer a spicier sauce, add a pinch of red chili flakes while sautéing the onions.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner, Main Course
Method: Baking, Sautéing
Cuisine: Fusion, Caribbean-inspired