Baked Cod in Coconut Lemon Cream Sauce for Busy Weeknights Recipe
Introduction
This baked cod in coconut lemon cream sauce is a perfect meal for busy weeknights. The creamy, tangy sauce complements the mild cod beautifully, creating a comforting and flavorful dish that’s quick to prepare.

Ingredients
- 4 thick white cod fillets
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 can full-fat coconut milk
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Step 2: Generously sprinkle salt and pepper onto the cod fillets.
- Step 3: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion until translucent.
- Step 4: Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet, stirring until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Step 5: Pour in the coconut milk, then stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest. Let the sauce simmer gently for a few minutes.
- Step 6: Place the seasoned cod fillets in a baking dish and pour the coconut lemon sauce evenly over the fish.
- Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Tips & Variations
- For added freshness, garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley before serving.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer the coconut milk mixture a bit longer before pouring it over the fish.
- Swap cod for other flaky white fish like haddock or tilapia if desired.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven or on the stovetop to prevent overcooking the fish.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use light coconut milk instead of full-fat?
Yes, you can use light coconut milk, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy. Full-fat coconut milk gives the best texture and flavor.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce and season the fish in advance, then assemble and bake when ready to serve for minimal hands-on time.
PrintBaked Cod in Coconut Lemon Cream Sauce for Busy Weeknights Recipe
This Baked Cod in Coconut Lemon Cream Sauce is a perfect quick and elegant meal for busy weeknights. Tender, flaky cod fillets are baked in a luscious sauce made with coconut milk, fresh lemon juice, and aromatic spices, delivering a rich and zesty flavor that’s both comforting and refreshing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion, Coastal
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
For the Cod
- 4 thick white cod fillets
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 can full-fat coconut milk (approx. 400ml)
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) to prepare for baking the cod.
- Season the Cod: Generously sprinkle both sides of the cod fillets with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavor.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Then add minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring constantly until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Prepare Sauce: Stir in the coconut milk, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 3-5 minutes to meld the flavors together and slightly thicken the sauce.
- Assemble for Baking: Place the seasoned cod fillets evenly spaced in a baking dish. Pour the prepared coconut lemon cream sauce evenly over the fillets, ensuring they are fully coated.
- Bake Cod: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, indicating it is cooked through.
- Serve: Carefully spoon the sauce over the cod when serving. Garnish optionally with fresh cilantro or parsley for added color and freshness.
Notes
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley to brighten the dish visually and flavor-wise.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- This recipe works well with other white fish such as haddock or halibut.
Keywords: baked cod, coconut lemon cream sauce, quick dinner, weeknight meal, healthy seafood, coconut milk sauce, easy baked fish

