This Tasty Baked Cod in Coconut Lemon Cream Sauce is a perfect harmony of flavors. The delicate cod fillets are baked to perfection, nestled in a creamy, tangy sauce made from coconut milk and lemon. It's a light, healthy, and satisfying meal that can be whipped up quickly.
Ingredients
4 cod fillets
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
1 cup coconut milk (full-fat)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Drizzle olive oil over the cod fillets and season with salt and pepper. Place the fillets in a baking dish.
In a small saucepan, heat the minced garlic over medium heat for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
Add the coconut milk, lemon juice, lemon zest, and Dijon mustard to the saucepan. Stir and let simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
Pour the coconut lemon cream sauce over the cod fillets in the baking dish.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cod is fully cooked and flakes easily with a fork.
Garnish with fresh parsley and dried thyme (if using), and serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Storage/Reheating
If I have any leftovers, I store the cod fillets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I recommend gently warming the fillets in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes or until heated through. I avoid microwaving it, as it can make the fish dry and rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use a different fish for this recipe?
Yes! While cod is a great option because of its mild flavor and flaky texture, I’ve made this dish with other fish like tilapia, haddock, and halibut, and it works just as well. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the fish.
Can I use light coconut milk instead of full-fat?
I prefer full-fat coconut milk because it gives the sauce a creamier, richer texture. However, if you're looking for a lighter version, you can substitute light coconut milk. Just keep in mind that the sauce might be less creamy, but the flavors will still be delicious.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
I like to prepare the coconut lemon cream sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When I’m ready to bake the fish, I simply drizzle the sauce over the fillets and bake. This makes meal prep easier!
What can I serve with this dish?
I usually serve this baked cod with a side of roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad. The lightness of the fish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, so feel free to get creative with your accompaniments.
Can I freeze the baked cod leftovers?
I don't recommend freezing the cooked cod, as the texture can change once it's thawed. However, you can freeze the sauce if you have leftovers. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container and reheat gently when ready to use.
Conclusion
This baked cod in coconut lemon cream sauce is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s quick, healthy, and incredibly satisfying. The coconut milk adds richness, while the lemon brings a refreshing zing to the dish. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a special meal, this recipe will definitely be a hit!
Recipe:

Tasty Baked Cod in Coconut Lemon Cream Sauce
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- Author: Cheryl
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A flavorful baked cod dish served in a creamy coconut lemon sauce, offering a delicate and zesty combination of flavors that are both light and satisfying.
Ingredients
4 cod fillets
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
1 cup coconut milk (full-fat)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Drizzle olive oil over the cod fillets and season with salt and pepper. Place the fillets in a baking dish.
- In a small saucepan, heat the minced garlic over medium heat for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Add the coconut milk, lemon juice, lemon zest, and Dijon mustard to the saucepan. Stir and let simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Pour the coconut lemon cream sauce over the cod fillets in the baking dish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cod is fully cooked and flakes easily with a fork.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and dried thyme (if using), and serve immediately.
Notes
You can use different fish like tilapia, haddock, or halibut if you prefer.
If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute light coconut milk for full-fat, but the sauce may be less creamy.
You can make the coconut lemon cream sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for easier meal prep.
This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.
While the cod itself doesn’t freeze well, you can freeze any leftover sauce and reheat it later.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet with sauce
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg