Baked Cod in Coconut Lemon Cream Sauce – Light

This Baked Cod in Coconut Lemon Cream Sauce is a light, creamy, and flavor-packed seafood dish that’s incredibly easy to make. The mild, flaky cod is baked in a rich coconut milk and lemon-infused sauce, creating a dish that’s both comforting and refreshing.

This meal is naturally dairy-free, gluten-free, and packed with healthy fats, making it a great option for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Serve it over rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal!

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Ingredients for Baked Cod in Coconut Lemon Cream Sauce

the Cod:

• 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a hint of smokiness)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

the Coconut Lemon Cream Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14 oz) can full-fat coconut milk
• ½ cup low-sodium vegetable or seafood broth
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 teaspoon fresh)
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Garnishing (Optional):

• Fresh chopped parsley or cilantro
• Lemon wedges
• Toasted coconut flakes (for extra texture)

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Baking dish
• Mixing bowl
• Small saucepan
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven & Prep the Cod

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Pat cod fillets dry with a paper towel.
3. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and set aside.

2. Make the Coconut Lemon Cream Sauce

1. Heat butter or olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
3. Pour in coconut milk, broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, black pepper, thyme, and red pepper flakes.
4. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Assemble & Bake

1. Pour half of the coconut lemon sauce into the bottom of a baking dish.
2. Place cod fillets in the dish and pour the remaining sauce over the top.
3. Bake uncovered for 15-18 minutes, or until cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

4. Serve & Enjoy!

• Garnish with fresh parsley, lemon wedges, and toasted coconut flakes.
• Serve over steamed rice, quinoa, or sautéed greens.

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Expert Tips for the Best Baked Cod

Use fresh cod – It has a mild, sweet flavor and tender texture.
Don’t overbake – Cod is done when it reaches 145°F (63°C) internally.
Simmer the sauce gently – Avoid boiling to keep the sauce smooth.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using frozen cod without thawing – Always thaw cod completely before baking.
Overcooking the fish – Cod cooks quickly; check it at 15 minutes.
Skipping the lemon zest – It adds essential brightness to balance the coconut.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

• Serve with jasmine rice or cauliflower rice for a light meal.
• Pair with roasted asparagus, zucchini, or sautéed spinach.
• Drizzle with extra lemon juice or a coconut-lime sauce for more flavor.

How to Store & Reheat Leftovers

Storage:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

• Stovetop: Reheat over low heat with a splash of broth or coconut milk.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.

Freezing:

• Freeze cooked cod with sauce for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Variations and Substitutions

• Make it spicy – Add extra red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
• Use different fish – Swap cod for tilapia, halibut, or salmon.
• Make it keto-friendly – Serve with zucchini noodles or mashed cauliflower.

What to Serve with Baked Cod in Coconut Lemon Cream Sauce

• Steamed jasmine or basmati rice
• Garlic-roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans
• Mango salsa or avocado salad

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use light coconut milk?

Yes, but full-fat coconut milk makes the sauce richer and creamier.

How do I know when cod is fully cooked?

It should be opaque, flake easily, and have an internal temp of 145°F (63°C).

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! Simply use olive oil instead of butter.

Conclusion

This Baked Cod in Coconut Lemon Cream Sauce is a light, creamy, and flavorful seafood dish that’s easy to make and full of fresh ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal, this recipe is sure to impress!

Try this dish today and let us know how it turned out! Don’t forget to subscribe for more healthy and delicious seafood recipes!

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Calories Per Serving

Approximate Calories: 320 kcal per serving (based on 4 servings).

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Serves: 4

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