Ingredients
- Cod fillets (4, about 6 oz each, 1-inch thick)
- Full-fat coconut milk (13.5 oz can)
- Fresh lemon juice (3 tablespoons)
- Lemon zest (1 teaspoon)
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- Fresh cilantro or parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease or spray a medium baking dish large enough to hold the four cod fillets without overlapping.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the full-fat coconut milk, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, olive oil, and desired amounts of salt and black pepper until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
- Step 3: Place the cod fillets in the prepared baking dish. Pour the coconut lemon sauce evenly over the top of the fish, ensuring the fillets are well coated and some sauce pools around the base.
- Step 4: Bake for 12 to 15 minutes. The precise cooking time will depend on the thickness of the fish; the cod is done when it is opaque throughout and flakes easily with a fork (internal temperature should reach 145°F/63°C).
- Step 5: Remove the dish from the oven. Spoon some of the baking sauce from the dish over the fillets and garnish generously with the chopped fresh cilantro or parsley before serving immediately.
Notes
- For the richest sauce, always use canned full-fat coconut milk and ensure it is fully whisked with the lemon juice before baking, as the acid can sometimes cause thin milk to separate.
- Leftover cod and sauce should be refrigerated in an airtight container and consumed within 2 days, noting the creamy sauce will naturally thicken once cold.
- Reheat individual servings in a conventional oven at a low temperature (around 275°F/135°C), covered, and add a teaspoon of fresh water or more coconut milk to the dish to revive the sauce.
- This dish shines when served atop a bed of fluffy jasmine rice or quinoa to fully capture all the delicious, complex coconut-lemon sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Cod Fillet (approx. 6 oz) with 1/4 cup sauce
- Calories: 225
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 7.5g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Protein: 1g