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Baked Coconut Lemon Cod Recipe

4.8 from 108 reviews

This Baked Cod recipe features tender, flaky cod fillets seasoned with salt and pepper, baked in a creamy coconut milk sauce infused with fresh lemon juice, ginger, garlic, and sautéed onions. The rich, citrusy sauce complements the mild flavor of the cod perfectly, making it a simple yet elegant dish that’s easy to prepare for dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Fish

  • 4 thick cod fillets
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper

Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing)
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 can (400 ml) full-fat coconut milk
  • 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) to ensure it’s at the ideal temperature for baking the cod evenly and thoroughly.
  2. Season Cod: Generously sprinkle the cod fillets with salt and pepper on both sides to enhance the natural flavor of the fish.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent. Then add minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring until fragrant—this builds the flavorful base of the sauce.
  4. Prepare Sauce: Pour in the coconut milk, then stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and lemon zest. Let the mixture simmer gently for a few minutes to combine the flavors and slightly thicken the sauce.
  5. Assemble for Baking: Place the seasoned cod fillets in a baking dish. Pour the coconut milk sauce evenly over the cod, ensuring each fillet is nicely coated.
  6. Bake: Bake the cod in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, indicating it is perfectly cooked.

Notes

  • Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best bright citrus flavor.
  • Make sure not to overcook the cod to keep it moist and tender.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it a bit longer before pouring over the fish.
  • This dish pairs well with steamed rice or sautéed greens.

Keywords: baked cod, cod fish recipe, coconut milk sauce, easy fish dinner, healthy seafood, lemon ginger cod