If you’re searching for a dish that’s both indulgently comforting and bright with flavor, then the Creamy Lemon Garlic Baked Cod Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between tender, flaky cod fillets and a luscious, garlicky lemon cream sauce that feels fancy but comes together in just 30 minutes. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy seafood that’s not only healthy but also bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors that will leave you craving seconds. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish promises to deliver satisfaction with every buttery bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Few ingredients can combine to create such a dreamy, silky sauce and perfectly baked cod, and that’s what makes this recipe so special. Each item plays a crucial role, from the rich creaminess of coconut cream to the bright zing of fresh lemon juice, creating layers of flavor and texture in every serving.
- Wild-caught cod fillets: Choose sustainably sourced cod for the best texture and flavor that flakes beautifully when baked.
- Grass-fed ghee: Adds a lovely nutty richness to the sauce and helps with that golden finish on top; avocado oil is a great non-dairy substitute.
- Shallot: Finely diced, it brings a subtle sweetness that deepens the savory taste of the dish.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh and minced, garlic infuses the sauce with bold aromatic notes that pair perfectly with lemon.
- Heavy coconut cream: Offers a dairy-free alternative that keeps the sauce ultra creamy and silky without overpowering the fish.
- Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed for a bright, zesty lift that balances the richness of the cream.
- Dijon mustard: Provides a gentle tang and depth that enhances the garlic and lemon flavors.
- Sea salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out all the natural flavors.
- Cayenne pepper: Just a pinch adds a subtle kick to warm up the palate without overwhelming the dish.
- Pork panko: Sprinkled on top for a crispy, golden crust that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce.
- Chopped parsley: A fresh garnish that adds a burst of green color and herbaceous brightness.
- Lemon wedges: Served on the side for an extra hit of citrus per bite.
How to Make Creamy Lemon Garlic Baked Cod Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Dish
Start by heating your oven to 400ºF (205ºC), which is the perfect temperature to cook the cod through without drying it out. Meanwhile, grab a 9×13-inch ceramic or glass baking dish and grease it generously with ghee or avocado oil. This not only prevents sticking but also adds a subtle layer of flavor as the cod bakes.
Step 2: Season and Arrange the Cod
Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture — this is crucial for a nice sear and prevents the coating from getting soggy. Place the fillets in the greased baking dish and season both sides simply with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. This basic seasoning foundation lets the natural flavor of the cod shine.
Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the ghee and gently sauté the finely diced shallot and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent. This slow: cooking releases their sweet and savory goodness. Add the heavy coconut cream, freshly squeezed lemon juice, Dijon mustard, sea salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper, then stir to combine. Pour this decadent sauce evenly around (not over) the cod fillets so the fish stays beautifully coated during baking.
Step 4: Add Crunch, Bake, and Broil to Perfection
Brush the tops of your cod fillets with extra ghee or avocado oil to help the pork panko crisp up beautifully. Sprinkle the pork panko evenly over the fillets to create that irresistible golden crust. Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 14 to 16 minutes until the cod flakes easily with a fork. For the final flourish, switch to broil and cook for about 3 to 5 minutes until the topping is golden and crunchy. Keep a close eye here so it doesn’t burn!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle chopped parsley for a fresh pop of color and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side to squeeze on top. This finishing touch really brightens the rich flavors and makes each bite sing.
How to Serve Creamy Lemon Garlic Baked Cod Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley is classic and adds vibrant color and a welcome herbaceous note. Lemon wedges are essential to serve on the side, inviting everyone to add their preferred zing of citrus, uplifting each bite and balancing the creaminess.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Lemon Garlic Baked Cod Recipe pairs beautifully with light, simple sides such as steamed asparagus, roasted baby potatoes, or a crisp green salad. The clean, buttery flavors of the cod complement veggies without overpowering them, making your meal balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a wow factor, serve the cod on a bed of fluffy cauliflower rice or alongside charred lemon halves for squeezing. You could also plate it with colorful heirloom tomatoes drizzled in olive oil or a fresh cucumber and dill salad to add crunch and brightness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers of this creamy delight, store the cod and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This helps maintain the texture of the crust and keeps the sauce fresh and luscious for up to 2 days.
Freezing
While cod is best enjoyed fresh for flavor and texture, you can freeze the cooked fillets without the panko topping wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers slowly in a low oven (about 300ºF) covered loosely with foil to prevent drying out. Alternatively, warm gently on the stovetop in a skillet over low heat. Avoid the microwave if possible to keep the creamy sauce smooth and appealing.
FAQs
Can I use regular heavy cream instead of coconut cream?
Absolutely! Regular heavy cream works wonderfully if you’re not avoiding dairy; it will create an equally rich, velvety sauce that pairs perfectly with the cod.
What type of cod is best for this recipe?
Wild-caught cod is ideal because of its flaky texture and mild flavor. Look for sustainably sourced options to support responsible fishing practices.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, swapping ghee for avocado oil and using heavy coconut cream instead of dairy cream makes the recipe friendly for dairy-free diets without losing any creaminess or flavor.
How spicy is this dish with cayenne pepper?
The recipes calls for just two pinches of cayenne, which adds a subtle warmth without overwhelming the delicate flavors. You can adjust the amount to your heat preference.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
You can prepare the lemon garlic cream sauce a day ahead and keep it chilled. When ready to bake, warm it slightly before pouring over the cod. This makes for a speedy assembly when you’re ready to cook.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about the Creamy Lemon Garlic Baked Cod Recipe that keeps me coming back to it time and again. It’s an elegant yet approachable dish that’s perfect for any occasion, whether you want a quick weeknight meal or something a bit special. I encourage you to try this recipe and discover how a handful of simple ingredients can come together to create magic on your plate.
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Creamy Lemon Garlic Baked Cod Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
This Creamy Lemon Garlic Baked Cod is a flavorful, satisfying dish perfect for a quick and elegant dinner. Featuring tender wild-caught cod fillets baked in a rich and tangy coconut cream sauce infused with garlic, shallots, lemon, and a touch of spice, this recipe offers a dairy-free twist using heavy coconut cream and ghee or avocado oil. A crunchy panko topping adds texture, while fresh parsley and lemon wedges provide a bright finishing touch.
Ingredients
Fish
- 4 6 oz (170g) wild-caught, sustainably-sourced cod fillets
For Cooking and Sauce
- 1 1/2 Tbsp grass-fed ghee (sub 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
- 3/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 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
- Extra ghee or avocado oil for greasing dish and brushing on cod fillets
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400ºF (205ºC) to prepare for baking the cod.
- 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 a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Place them evenly in the greased baking dish and season both sides with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Make cream sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the ghee and sauté the finely diced shallot and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent. Stir in the heavy coconut cream, freshly squeezed lemon juice, dijon mustard, sea salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Allow the mixture to heat through but not boil, then carefully pour the creamy sauce evenly around the cod fillets in the baking dish.
- Bake: Brush the tops of the cod fillets with extra ghee or avocado oil, then sprinkle the pork panko evenly over the fillets for a crunchy topping. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 14 to 16 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Broil for golden finish: After baking, switch the oven to broil. Broil the cod for an additional 3 to 5 minutes to achieve a golden brown and crispy panko crust. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Finish and serve: Remove the baked cod from the oven, garnish generously with chopped parsley, and serve with fresh lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the fillets. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Use avocado oil instead of ghee for a strict dairy-free version.
- Heavy coconut cream adds richness while keeping the dish dairy-free, but full-fat canned coconut milk may be a substitute.
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity according to your preferred spice level.
- Make sure cod fillets are patted dry before seasoning to ensure better browning and seasoning adherence.
- Use wild-caught, sustainably-sourced cod for the best flavor and environmental benefit.
- Baking times may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the fillets; watch for the fish to flake easily.
