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Flaky baked cod fillets drizzled with creamy coconut lemon sauce, garnished with fresh herbs and served with rice and lemon wedges.

Baked Cod in Coconut Lemon Cream Sauce – Light, Creamy & Full of Flavor

This Baked Cod in Coconut Lemon Cream Sauce is a light yet luxurious seafood dish! Tender cod fillets are baked to perfection and topped with a silky coconut milk sauce infused with fresh lemon juice, garlic, and herbs. It’s dairy-free, easy to make, and perfect for weeknight dinners or elegant entertaining.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Course Baked Cod in Coconut Lemon Cream Sauce, Optional sides: Jasmine rice, couscous, sautéed greens, mango slaw
Cuisine Fusion: Caribbean & Southeast Asian
Servings 4
Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Baking dish
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Knife and cutting board

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cod fillets (6 oz each, fresh or thawed)
  • 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
  • ½ cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • ½ tsp dried thyme
  • ½ tsp dried basil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
  • In a bowl, whisk together coconut milk, cream, lemon juice, zest, garlic, ginger, olive oil, soy sauce, thyme, and basil.
  • Pat cod fillets dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
  • Arrange fillets in the baking dish and pour sauce over them.
  • Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until cod flakes easily with a fork.
  • Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
  • Spicy Variation: Add chili flakes or jalapeños to the sauce.
  • Citrus Swap: Lime juice and zest offer a sharper tropical flavor.
  • Fish Substitutes: Haddock, halibut, or tilapia work well.
  • Serving Ideas: Pair with rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables.
  • Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Warm gently in oven or microwave with a splash of coconut milk.
  • Avoid Freezing: Sauce may separate once baked.
 
Keyword Baked cod, Caribbean-inspired, coconut lemon sauce, dairy-free option, Gluten-Free, Seafood, tropical fish recipe, weeknight dinner