Coconut Lemon Cod is a delicious, flaky fish dish that’s surprisingly easy to make. Coconut Lemon Cod brings back memories of seaside vacations and lazy summer evenings, perfectly capturing the bright citrus and subtly sweet tropical flavors. This particular recipe was inspired by my grandmother, who always had a knack for making simple meals taste extraordinary. She believed in letting the quality of the ingredients speak for themselves, and this dish is a testament to that philosophy.
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Coconut Lemon Cod Recipe
Coconut Lemon Cod: The Easiest Flavor-Packed Recipe
Flaky cod baked in a creamy coconut lemon sauce. This easy recipe is quick to make and full of flavor.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition:
Protein: 25g
Carbs: 8g
Fat: 20g
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds cod fillets, about 1 inch thick
- 1 can (13.5 oz) full fat coconut milk
- ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking dish.
- In a bowl, whisk coconut milk, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
- Place cod in the dish. Pour coconut mixture over cod. Sprinkle with coconut.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until cod is cooked through.
- Remove from oven and let rest.
- Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- For a richer sauce, simmer the coconut milk briefly.
- Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor.
- Serve immediately with rice or vegetables.
This recipe is a weeknight savior. It’s quick, comforting, and bursting with flavor. The combination of coconut and lemon creates a harmonious balance that’s both refreshing and satisfying. I especially love how tender the cod becomes in the oven, infused with the creamy coconut milk and zesty lemon juice. My kids, who are normally picky eaters, gobble this dish up every time I make it. Its simple ingredients and even simpler instructions make it a great choice for any home cook, regardless of skill level. It brings a sense of joy and ease to mealtime that I truly cherish.
Ingredients Needed for This Coconut Lemon Cod Recipe
- 1.5 pounds cod fillets, about 1 inch thick
- 1 can (13.5 oz) full fat coconut milk
- ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make This Coconut Lemon Cod Recipe
- 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
- 2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
- 3. Place the cod fillets in the prepared baking dish. Pour the coconut milk mixture over the cod, ensuring each fillet is evenly coated. Sprinkle the shredded coconut over the top.
- 4. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cod is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
- 5. Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
- 6. Garnish with fresh parsley.
- 7. Consider serving it alongside some fluffy rice or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal. You may also consider some quinoa or a big bed of greens.
- 8. Serve immediately and enjoy! Feel free to add a lemon wedge to the side of the plate to give an extra touch of fresh delight.
How to Serve This Coconut Lemon Cod Recipe
This Coconut Lemon Cod is incredibly versatile. I love serving it with a side of quinoa and steamed broccoli. For a more decadent meal, mashed sweet potatoes are delicious as well. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving brightens up the flavors even more. Consider pairing it with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc for a truly delightful dining experience. Plating is also easy: simply arrange the cod on a plate, spoon some of the coconut milk sauce over it, and add a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a lemon wedge for garnish. For another delicious pairing option, explore this Roasted Asparagus with Lemon recipe on Recipes Charming.
How to Store This Coconut Lemon Cod Recipe
Leftover Coconut Lemon Cod can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freezing is not recommended, as the coconut milk may separate and the cod’s texture can change. To reheat, gently warm the cod in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. Avoid overheating, as this can dry out the fish.
Tips to Make This Coconut Lemon Cod Recipe
- For a thicker sauce, simmer the coconut milk mixture in a saucepan for a few minutes before pouring it over the cod. Using thick coconut milk can help with this.
- If you don’t have shredded coconut, you can use coconut flakes instead. Just make sure to chop them up a bit first.
- Don’t overbake the cod, as it can become dry. Check for doneness around the 15 minute mark.
- Be mindful of the salt content, as some coconut milk brands can be saltier than others.
Helpful Notes for This Coconut Lemon Cod Recipe
Full fat coconut milk is key to achieving the creamy sauce. If you use light coconut milk, the sauce may be too thin. Cod fillets that are about 1 inch thick cook evenly and stay moist. If your fillets are thinner, reduce the baking time accordingly. A simple glass baking dish works perfectly for this recipe. For other simple, delicious weeknight meals, check out the one pan series on Recipes Charming.
Variation of This Coconut Lemon Cod Recipe
For a spicier twist, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the coconut milk mixture. You can also use lime juice instead of lemon juice for a slightly different flavor profile. In the summertime, try grilling the cod instead of baking it. Simply place the cod fillets on a grill, and brush with coconut milk mixture while grilling. Another modification is to add vegetables to the baking dish along with the cod, such as bell peppers, onions, or zucchini.
FAQs About This Coconut Lemon Cod Recipe
What does Coconut Lemon Cod taste like?
Coconut Lemon Cod has a delightful flavor profile that combines the tangy zest of lemon with the subtle sweetness of coconut. The cod itself is flaky and mild allowing the other flavors to shine through.
How do you keep cod from drying out?
To keep cod moist, avoid overcooking it. Baking or pan-searing with a little bit of oil or butter will help retain its moisture. Adding a sauce, like the coconut lemon sauce, also helps keep it from drying.
Can I use other fish instead of cod?
Yes, you can substitute other white fish like halibut, tilapia, or snapper. Ensure you adjust cooking times accordingly depending on the thickness of the fish fillets you are using.
Is Coconut Lemon Cod a healthy meal?
This dish can be a healthy option as cod is a lean source of protein and the recipe utilizes healthy ingredients. Be mindful of the amount of oil or fat used in the cooking process to keep it healthy.
Conclusion
That’s it! This simple recipe for Coconut Lemon Cod delivers a flavor packed meal that you can easily make any night of the week. The coconut and lemon make a zesty and refreshing flavor that will liven up your dinner table. Trust me, this Coconut Lemon Cod is a guaranteed crowd pleaser! I hope this makes it onto your weekly rotation. Please let me know what changes you make in the comments, or any questions you might have!
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