Baked Cod in Coconut Lemon Cream Sauce

You ever make a dish that instantly transports you to a breezy beachside cafe? This baked cod in coconut lemon cream sauce is that dish. It’s light, creamy, zesty, and the kind of dinner that makes you feel like you did something special — even if it’s a Tuesday. I’ve been obsessed with lemon since I was a kid zesting them for my mom’s lemon bars. Pair that with coconut milk? Magic.

Why This Coconut Lemon Cod Recipe is a Must-Try

• Flavorful indulgence – You get that rich coconut milk texture cut with bright, tangy lemon.
  
• Quick recipe – Ready in under 30 minutes. Dinner rush = handled.
  
• Easily shareable – Feeds 4, impresses even more.
  
• Healthy comfort – Clean protein, dairy-free sauce, and no heavy carbs unless you add ’em.
  
• Versatile pairings – From rice to roasted veg, this creamy baked cod pairs with almost anything.
  

Ingredients for Creamy Baked Cod

For the Cod Fillets:

• 4 cod fillets (6 oz each)
  
• Salt and pepper, to taste
  

For the Lemon Coconut Cream Sauce:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
  
• 1 small onion or shallot, finely diced
  
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
  
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  
• 1 can (13–14 oz) full-fat coconut milk
  
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  
• 1 tsp lemon zest
  
• Salt and pepper, to taste
  
• Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish (optional)
  

Step-by-Step: How to Make Cod in Coconut Milk

1. Preheat Oven to 350°F / 180°C

Get your oven hot while you prep. Hot ovens make happy fish.

2. Season Cod Fillets

Pat dry (this is key!). Moisture messes with texture. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.

3. Make the Coconut Lemon Cream Sauce

• Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
  
• Add onions and cook until soft and translucent — don’t brown them.
  
• Stir in garlic and ginger; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  
• Pour in coconut milk. Add lemon juice and zest. Simmer gently for 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  

4. Assemble the Coconut Lemon Fish Bake

• Lay cod fillets in a greased baking dish.
  
• Pour the lemon coconut cream sauce over the fish.
  

5. Bake It

Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the cod flakes easily with a fork.

6. Garnish & Serve

Sprinkle with chopped cilantro or parsley. Let it rest a minute before serving. That’s where the flavor settles.

What to Serve With Easy Baked Cod With Sauce

• Steamed jasmine or basmati rice
  
• Quinoa salad with cucumbers and herbs
  
• Sautéed green beans or sugar snap peas
  
• Roasted sweet potatoes or carrots
  
• Garlic bread (for sauce mopping)
  
• Chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling
  
• Finish with coconut sorbet or mango slices
  

Make-Ahead Tips for Cod in Lemon Cream Sauce

• Sauce: Make up to 3 days ahead and refrigerate.
  
• Cod: Season and refrigerate fillets up to 24 hours before baking.
  

Expert Tips for Perfect Baked White Fish With Coconut Sauce

• Fresh cod rules – Frozen works in a pinch, but fresh = flavor.
  
• Don’t overbake – Fish should flake, not crumble. Internal temp: 145°F.
  
• Simmer sauce gently – High heat splits the coconut milk.
  
• Taste everything – Before it hits the oven, the sauce should sing.
  
• Rest before serving – The juices will soak back in — trust me.
  
• Leave space between fillets – Don’t crowd the dish; let the heat circulate.
  

Recipe Variations to Try

• Swap the fish – Halibut, haddock, or tilapia work great.
  
• Cream alternatives – Use oat cream or heavy cream if you’re out of coconut.
  
• Add greens – Toss in baby spinach or kale during the last 10 mins of baking.
  
• Citrus twist – Use lime instead of lemon for a tropical change.
  
• Spice it up – Add chili flakes or a swirl of sriracha.
  
• Nutty upgrade – Top with toasted almonds or cashews.
  

Storage & Freezing

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers up to 2 days in an airtight container.
  
• Freeze: Sauce and cod can be frozen separately for up to 3 months.
  
• Reheat: Oven or stovetop on low heat until warmed through. Avoid microwaving to keep texture intact.
  

FAQs: Creamy Lemon Fish Recipe

Related Recipes You’ll Love

Looking for more fish dishes packed with flavor? Check out these reader favorites from my blog:

• Creamy lemon butter salmon – rich, silky, and fast.
  
• Cajun honey butter salmon – sweet, spicy, and buttery.
  
• Traeger smoked salmon recipe – smoky perfection for your grill days.
  
• Southern fried catfish – crispy and golden with bold Southern flavor.
  
• Catfish Po’ Boy sandwich – a crispy fish sandwich that hits all the right notes.
  

Conclusion

This cod fillets with lemon coconut cream dish isn’t just easy — it’s unforgettable. Creamy, bright, and so comforting you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it before. It’s the kind of dish you make once and then crave again a few days later. So go grab those ingredients and make it happen. For more flavor packed ideas like this one, be sure to follow my Pinterest board here

Trust me — this is the fish you want on your plate tonight.

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