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Baked Cod in Coconut Lemon Cream sauce

Baked Cod in Coconut Lemon Cream sauce
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Baked Cod in Coconut Lemon Cream Sauce is a quick and elegant dinner featuring tender cod fillets baked in a rich, creamy sauce blending coconut milk with bright lemon zest and juice. This dish offers a perfect balance of tropical creaminess, citrus zing, and delicate flaky fish, making it a flavorful, healthy, and effortless weeknight meal suitable for various dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Fish

  • 4 fresh cod fillets (about 6 oz each)

Sauce

  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 2 shallots, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes

Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels to ensure the sauce clings properly, then lightly season both sides with salt and pepper.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add chopped garlic and shallots, sautéing until soft and fragrant—about 2 to 3 minutes—to build the flavor base of your sauce.
  3. Make the Coconut Lemon Cream Sauce: Pour in the coconut milk, stirring gently. Add lemon zest and freshly squeezed lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 4 to 5 minutes until it slightly thickens and the flavors meld together beautifully.
  4. Bake the Cod: Place the cod fillets in a baking dish and pour the coconut lemon cream sauce evenly over the fish. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets, until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Once baked, sprinkle fresh herbs such as chopped parsley or cilantro on top for freshness and visual appeal. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.

Notes

  • Choose firm fish: Fresh cod or similar flaky white fish ensures the best texture after baking.
  • Don’t overbake: Keep a close eye on your fish during baking to avoid dryness.
  • Use fresh lemon: Freshly squeezed juice and zest make a big difference compared to bottled alternatives.
  • Let the sauce simmer gently: This helps the flavors combine and the sauce thicken without curdling.
  • Season gradually: Taste as you go to avoid over-salting or overpowering the delicate fish.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked cod, coconut lemon cream sauce, quick dinner, healthy seafood, gluten free, dairy free, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://mealsbymary.com/baked-cod-in-coconut-lemon-cream-sauce/