Dreamy Baked Cod in Coconut Lemon Cream Sauce Recipe

Cooking a delectable baked cod in coconut lemon cream sauce promises a culinary adventure that’ll transport your taste buds to tropical paradise.

Coastal flavors merge beautifully in this simple yet elegant seafood dish.

Mediterranean techniques blend seamlessly with vibrant ingredients to create something extraordinary.

Delicate fish becomes luxurious when nestled in a creamy, zesty sauce that hints at faraway shores.

Fresh herbs and bright citrus notes dance around tender cod fillets, awakening every sense.

Seafood enthusiasts will adore how quickly this meal comes together with minimal effort.

You can wow dinner companions without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why Tasty Baked Cod in Coconut Lemon Cream Sauce Shines

• Whip Up Quick Gourmet Meal: Transforms simple cod into a restaurant-worthy dish with minimal kitchen skills required, perfect for home cooks wanting to impress.
• Customize Your Flavor Adventure: Offers flexible options like adding breadcrumbs for extra crunch or adjusting seasonings to suit personal taste preferences.
• Create Elegant Dinner Without Stress: Requires straightforward preparation steps and basic ingredients, making sophisticated seafood cooking accessible for everyone.
• Boost Nutrition Deliciously: Delivers a protein-packed meal with healthy fats from coconut milk and cream, providing a nutritious and satisfying dinner option.

Ingredients for Tasty Baked Cod in Coconut Lemon Cream Sauce

• Cod Fillets: A delicate white fish with a mild, buttery flavor perfect for this creamy sauce.
• Coconut Milk: Provides a rich, creamy base with a subtle tropical sweetness.
• Heavy Cream: Adds extra richness and smoothness to the sauce.

• Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Bright, citrusy elements that add freshness and tanginess to the dish.
• Garlic: Adds a warm, aromatic depth to the sauce.
• Paprika: Brings a subtle warmth and mild peppery flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste.

• Olive Oil: Helps to add moisture and create a golden surface.
• Breadcrumbs: Optional topping that provides a crispy texture.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds a pop of color and fresh herbal note for garnish.

How to Prepare Tasty Baked Cod in Coconut Lemon Cream Sauce

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F.

This warm temperature will help create a perfectly cooked fish with a delightful golden touch.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish

Grab a casserole dish and give it a light coating of cooking spray or butter to prevent the fish from sticking.

This ensures easy serving and cleanup.

Step 3: Create the Magical Sauce

• Coconut milk
• Heavy cream
• Fresh lemon juice
• Bright lemon zest
• Minced garlic
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir these ingredients until they blend into a smooth, fragrant mixture that will make your taste buds dance.

Step 4: Dress the Cod

Gently place the cod fillets in the prepared dish.

Pour the luscious sauce evenly over the fish, making sure every inch gets some love.

Step 5: Add Extra Flavor

Drizzle a touch of olive oil across the top of the fish for extra richness and a beautiful sheen.

Step 6: Optional Crispy Topping

For those who love a bit of crunch, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the fish.

This will create a golden, crispy layer that adds texture.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven.

Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes.

The fish is ready when it flakes easily with a gentle touch of a fork.

Step 8: Finish with Fresh Herbs

Just before serving, shower the dish with freshly chopped parsley.

This adds a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor that elevates the entire meal.

Tips to Nail Tasty Baked Cod in Coconut Lemon Cream Sauce

• Whisk coconut milk and cream slowly to avoid separation, ensuring a smooth, creamy sauce.
• Select high-quality, fresh cod fillets with firm, white flesh for the best texture and flavor.
• Check fish at 20 minutes to prevent overcooking, as cod cooks quickly and can dry out easily.
• Toast breadcrumbs with herbs before sprinkling to add extra crunch and aromatic complexity.
• Swap heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk for a lighter, lactose-free version of the dish.

Variations for Tasty Baked Cod in Coconut Lemon Cream Sauce

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free margarine instead of olive oil for a lactose-intolerant friendly version.
• Spicy Caribbean Style: Add jalapeños, red chili flakes, and swap paprika for cayenne pepper to create a zesty, hot flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Substitute lemon with orange zest, include fresh thyme and oregano, and top with chopped kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired transformation.
• Low-Carb Keto Option: Remove breadcrumbs, increase healthy fats by adding extra virgin olive oil, and use almond flour as a light crispy topping alternative.

Serving Ideas for Tasty Baked Cod in Coconut Lemon Cream Sauce

• Tropical Beach Dinner: Set the table with a bright tablecloth and use seashell-shaped plates to bring coastal vibes right to your dining space.
• Herb Garden Pairing: Serve alongside a fresh mixed herb salad with dill, parsley, and chives to complement the delicate fish flavors.
• Rice Companion: Prepare coconut jasmine rice or lemon herb quinoa to soak up the delicious cream sauce and create a complete meal experience.
• Wine Elevation: Select a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that will beautifully enhance the lemony coconut seafood notes.

How to Store Tasty Baked Cod in Coconut Lemon Cream Sauce

• Store leftover cod in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness and safety.
• Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring minimal air exposure to prevent freezer burn.
• Place cod in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 30-45 seconds, checking frequently to prevent overcooking.
• Warm cod in a preheated 275F oven for 10-15 minutes. Add a splash of coconut milk to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.

FAQs

• Is cod a healthy fish to eat?

Cod is an excellent source of lean protein, low in calories, and packed with vitamins like B12 and minerals such as selenium, making it a nutritious seafood choice for a balanced diet.

• Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen cod. Thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight and pat dry with paper towels before placing in the baking dish to ensure proper cooking and prevent excess moisture.

• What does coconut milk do in this sauce?

Coconut milk adds a rich, creamy texture and subtle tropical flavor to the sauce, while also helping to keep the cod moist and tender during baking.

Tasty Baked Cod In Coconut Lemon Cream Sauce Recipe

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4.6 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent baked cod in coconut lemon cream sauce offers Mediterranean coastal flavors with elegant simplicity. Delicate fish nestles in silky sauce, promising a delightful dinner experience you’ll savor completely.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 1/2 pounds (680 grams) cod fillets

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) coconut milk
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Garnish and Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (8 grams) fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
• Breadcrumbs for topping (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center for even cooking.
2. Lightly grease a casserole dish to prevent the cod from sticking and facilitate easy serving.
3. Arrange the cod fillets in a single layer within the prepared dish, ensuring they are not overlapping.
4. Create the coconut lemon cream sauce by whisking together coconut milk, heavy cream, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and grated lemon zest in a mixing bowl.
5. Incorporate minced garlic, paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper into the sauce, blending thoroughly to distribute the flavors evenly.
6. Gently pour the aromatic sauce over the cod fillets, making sure each piece is completely covered.
7. Drizzle a light layer of olive oil across the top of the fish to enhance moisture and flavor.
8. For added texture, sprinkle a thin layer of breadcrumbs over the fillets, creating a delicate crisp topping.
9. Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the cod becomes opaque and flakes easily when tested with a fork.
10. Remove from the oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to settle.
11. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant touch and serve immediately.

Notes

• Ensure cod fillets are patted dry before baking to prevent excess moisture and achieve a perfect flaky texture.
• Swap heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free version that maintains the rich, creamy consistency.
• Toast breadcrumbs briefly before sprinkling to enhance their nutty flavor and create an extra-crispy golden topping.
• For a lighter version, replace olive oil with a citrus-infused olive oil to boost the bright, zesty notes without adding extra calories.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Caribbean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 256 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 313 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 23 g
• Cholesterol: 62 mg