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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center for even cooking.
- Lightly grease a casserole dish to prevent the cod from sticking and facilitate easy serving.
- Arrange the cod fillets in a single layer within the prepared dish, ensuring they are not overlapping.
- 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.
- Incorporate minced garlic, paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper into the sauce, blending thoroughly to distribute the flavors evenly.
- Gently pour the aromatic sauce over the cod fillets, making sure each piece is completely covered.
- Drizzle a light layer of olive oil across the top of the fish to enhance moisture and flavor.
- For added texture, sprinkle a thin layer of breadcrumbs over the fillets, creating a delicate crisp topping.
- 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.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to settle.
- 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