Bright, creamy, effortless weeknight dinner
This Baked Cod in Coconut Lemon Cream Sauce is the kind of recipe that makes weeknight cooking feel luxurious without any extra work. Tender, flaky cod bakes in a silky coconut cream sauce infused with lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs — creating a light yet comforting flavor perfect for busy nights. Everything comes together in one baking dish, making cleanup a breeze and the final result beautifully balanced with citrus brightness and creamy richness. Whether you’re looking for a quick family dinner or something impressively simple for guests, this dish delivers big flavor with minimal effort. It’s a Pinterest-ready favorite for anyone craving easy coastal-inspired comfort. 🐟🍋
⏱️ Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
📝 Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)
- Lemon slices (optional, for topping)
✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.
- Baking dish (9×13 recommended)
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Spoon or small ladle
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set to 400°F (200°C) for even baking.
- Prep the cod: Pat cod dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Make the sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together coconut milk, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, Dijon, paprika, onion powder, and parsley.
- Assemble the dish: Place cod fillets in the baking dish. Pour the coconut lemon cream sauce around and slightly over the fish.
- Top (optional): Add a few lemon slices on top for extra citrus aroma 🍋.
- Bake: Cook for 18–20 minutes, or until cod flakes easily with a fork and the sauce looks slightly thick and creamy.
- Finish: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm with rice, roasted veggies, or crusty bread 😊.
💡 Pro Tips
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the fish.
- Fish options: Swap cod for halibut, tilapia, or haddock.
- Extra richness: Stir in 1 tablespoon of butter just before serving.
- Thicker sauce: Bake uncovered and let the sauce reduce naturally.