If you are craving a dish that beautifully balances zesty brightness with rich creaminess, you have to try this Creamy Lemon Garlic Baked Cod Recipe. This recipe transforms simple cod fillets into a luscious, flavorful feast where tender fish meets a silky lemon-garlic coconut cream sauce, finished with a crunchy golden topping. It is quick enough for weeknights yet impressive enough to serve for guests, making it a go-to for anyone who loves fresh seafood infused with vibrant, comforting flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe is carefully chosen for simplicity and maximum flavor impact. The freshness of the cod, the aromatic punch from garlic and shallots, and the creamy richness from coconut cream all work together to create a perfectly balanced dish with layers of texture and taste.
- 4 6 oz wild-caught cod fillets: Opt for sustainably sourced cod for the best flaky texture and fresh ocean flavor.
- 1 1/2 Tbsp grass-fed ghee: Adds a nutty richness; use avocado oil if you prefer dairy-free.
- 1 medium shallot, finely diced: Brings a sweet onion flavor without overpowering the dish.
- 5 large cloves garlic, minced or pressed: Provides an aromatic garlicky base that complements the lemon beautifully.
- 12 oz heavy coconut cream: Adds luxurious creaminess and subtle sweetness, making the sauce indulgent yet dairy-free.
- 2 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice: Brightens every bite with fresh citrus zing.
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard: Offers a gentle tang and depth to the sauce.
- 3/4 tsp sea salt: Enhances natural flavors and balances the creaminess.
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper: Adds mild heat and complexity.
- 2 pinches cayenne pepper: Just enough kick to wake up your taste buds; adjust for spiciness preference.
- 1/4 cup pork panko: Gives a crispy golden crust with an irresistible crunch.
- Chopped parsley: Fresh herb garnish that adds color and a touch of herbal brightness.
- Lemon wedges: Perfect for extra citrusy sparkle at serving time.
- Extra ghee or avocado oil: For greasing the dish and brushing the fillets for an even golden finish.
How to Make Creamy Lemon Garlic Baked Cod Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 400ºF (205ºC) to get it ready to bake the cod to tender perfection while developing a golden crust. Starting with a fully preheated oven ensures even cooking every time.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
Grease a 9×13-inch ceramic or glass baking dish generously with ghee or avocado oil. This prevents sticking and helps the crust brown beautifully, setting the stage for a perfect bake.
Step 3: Prep the Cod Fillets
Pat dry your cod fillets with paper towels to remove excess moisture—this step is key to achieving a nice sear and keeping the fish flaky, not soggy. Lay the fillets evenly spaced in the prepared dish and season with sea salt and black pepper to build flavor from the start.
Step 4: Create the Dreamy Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce
In a saucepan, melt ghee over medium heat and sauté the finely diced shallot and pressed garlic until translucent and fragrant. Pour in the heavy coconut cream, then stir in freshly squeezed lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper. Let it simmer gently to thicken and coalesce all those luscious flavors into a velvety sauce that will make this Creamy Lemon Garlic Baked Cod Recipe truly unforgettable.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Pour the creamy sauce evenly around your seasoned cod fillets in the baking dish to coat them lightly. Brush the tops with a little extra ghee for richness, sprinkle pork panko evenly over each fillet for that irresistible crunch, and bake for 14-16 minutes until the fish is cooked through. Finish by broiling for 3-5 minutes to get a golden brown crust that adds a delightful texture contrast.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, scatter fresh chopped parsley over the top to bring a pop of vibrant green color. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side—squeezing fresh lemon juice just before eating amps up the bright flavors in every bite.
How to Serve Creamy Lemon Garlic Baked Cod Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley isn’t just pretty—it adds a fresh herbal note that balances the richness of the cream sauce. Lemon wedges are essential for guests who love that extra bright citrus punch.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with simple, fresh sides that don’t compete with the cod’s flavors. Think fluffy coconut rice, roasted asparagus, or a crisp garden salad. Lightly steamed green beans or garlic mashed potatoes also complement the creamy sauce really well.
Creative Ways to Present
For a restaurant-worthy presentation, serve the cod on a large platter with the sauce artistically drizzled over each fillet. Adding a few edible flowers or microgreens elevates the look, turning this comforting dinner into a special occasion plate everyone will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover cod and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Because of the delicate texture of the fish and creamy sauce, it’s best enjoyed fresh but can be enjoyed cold or reheated gently.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this Creamy Lemon Garlic Baked Cod Recipe due to the coconut cream sauce’s texture and the flaky nature of the fish. Freezing can cause the sauce to separate and the cod to become mushy once thawed.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat gently in a low oven (around 300ºF / 150ºC) covered with foil to maintain moisture, for about 10-12 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it may cause the sauce to break and the fish to overcook.
FAQs
Can I substitute the cod with another type of fish?
Absolutely! Firm white fish like haddock, pollock, or halibut work wonderfully with this recipe if cod is not available. Just adjust the baking time depending on thickness.
Is the coconut cream flavor strong in this dish?
Not at all! The lemon and garlic flavors beautifully balance the slight sweetness of the coconut cream, creating a harmonious and mild sauce that’s creamy without overpowering the fish.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, simply swap the ghee for avocado oil or another neutral oil, keeping the coconut cream as the creamy base. This recipe is naturally adaptable for dairy-free diets with these small changes.
How spicy is this dish with cayenne pepper?
The two pinches provide just a subtle warmth that enhances other flavors without making it hot. You can adjust the cayenne amount if you prefer more heat or none at all.
What can I use instead of pork panko for the topping?
If you prefer a vegetarian option, regular or gluten-free panko breadcrumbs work beautifully. Alternatively, crushed nuts like almonds or pistachios provide a unique and delicious crunch.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Lemon Garlic Baked Cod Recipe has quickly become one of my all-time favorites because it’s effortless yet feels so luxurious. The way the creamy sauce gently envelopes the flaky fish while the golden topping adds just the right crunch truly makes it a winner for any occasion. I can’t recommend trying it enough—you’ll love how simple ingredients come together to create something absolutely special!
Print
Creamy Lemon Garlic Baked Cod Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Lemon Garlic Baked Cod recipe offers a perfectly balanced meal featuring tender, wild-caught cod fillets baked in a luscious coconut cream sauce infused with fresh garlic, shallots, and bright lemon juice. The dish is topped with crispy pork panko for added texture and finished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges, making it a flavorful and satisfying dinner ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Fish and Seasoning
- 4 6 oz (170g) wild-caught, sustainably-sourced cod fillets
- 3/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Extra ghee or avocado oil for greasing dish and brushing on cod fillets
Sauce
- 1 1/2 Tbsp grass-fed ghee (substitute avocado oil for strict dairy-free)
- 1 medium shallot, finely diced
- 5 large cloves garlic, minced or pressed
- 12 oz (340g) heavy coconut cream
- 2 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 2 pinches cayenne pepper (increase to 1/16 tsp for more heat)
Topping and Garnish
- 1/4 cup (25g) pork panko
- Chopped parsley for garnish
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400ºF (205ºC) to prepare for baking the cod fillets.
- Prepare baking dish: Grease a 9×13 inch ceramic or glass baking dish with ghee or avocado oil to prevent sticking and enhance flavor.
- Prep cod fillets: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Place them in the prepared baking dish and season evenly with salt and black pepper.
- Make cream sauce: In a saucepan, melt 1 1/2 tablespoons of ghee over medium heat. Sauté the finely diced shallot and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent. Add the heavy coconut cream, freshly squeezed lemon juice, Dijon mustard, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine and heat until the sauce is warm but not boiling. Pour this creamy mixture evenly around the cod fillets in the baking dish.
- Bake: Brush the tops of the cod fillets with extra ghee or avocado oil. Sprinkle the pork panko evenly over each fillet to add a crispy topping. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 14 to 16 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Broil for finish: Switch the oven to broil and broil the fillets for an additional 3 to 5 minutes until the pork panko topping turns golden brown and crispy. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Finish and serve: Remove the dish from the oven, garnish the baked cod with chopped parsley, and serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the fish.
Notes
- Use wild-caught, sustainably sourced cod for the best flavor and environmental sustainability.
- Substitute avocado oil instead of ghee for a strict dairy-free version.
- Adjust cayenne pepper level to your preferred spice tolerance.
- Ensure cod fillets are patted dry to achieve a better sear and sauce adhesion.
- Broiling at the end creates a deliciously crispy topping but requires close attention to avoid burning.
- The heavy coconut cream adds richness and a subtle coconut flavor that complements the lemon and garlic perfectly.
