If you are looking for a dish that perfectly balances tangy brightness with rich, comforting creaminess, this Creamy Lemon Garlic Baked Cod Recipe will quickly become your weeknight hero. Combining tender wild-caught cod with a luscious lemon-garlic coconut cream sauce and a crispy topping, this dish is as elegant as it is easy to make. Each bite offers a beautiful contrast of textures and flavors, making it an unforgettable way to enjoy seafood that’s both nourishing and indulgent. Let me take you through every step of preparing this delightful recipe that never fails to impress!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Creamy Lemon Garlic Baked Cod Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role in layering flavor and texture without any fuss. From the buttery richness of grass-fed ghee to the zesty pop of freshly squeezed lemon juice, every item on the list works together to create harmony on your plate.
- Wild-caught cod fillets: The star of the dish, tender and flaky, bringing a mild, clean seafood flavor.
- Grass-fed ghee: Adds a rich, nutty aroma and helps create a golden crust on the fish.
- Shallot: Offers a subtle sweetness that complements the garlic without overpowering it.
- Garlic cloves: The soul of the sauce, providing warmth and depth to every bite.
- Heavy coconut cream: Creates a silky, creamy sauce that’s dairy-free yet decadently satisfying.
- Lemon juice: Provides brightness and acidity, cutting through the richness.
- Dijon mustard: Adds gentle tang and complexity, elevating the sauce beyond ordinary.
- Sea salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Adds just the right touch of heat and spice.
- Cayenne pepper: Brings a subtle kick that energizes the palate.
- Pork panko: Gives the topping an irresistible crunch—feel free to substitute for other breadcrumbs if preferred.
- Fresh parsley: For a burst of herbal freshness and pretty garnish.
- Lemon wedges: To add extra zing when serving.
- Extra ghee or avocado oil: For greasing the dish and brushing on the cod to help develop a golden crust.
How to Make Creamy Lemon Garlic Baked Cod Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by heating your oven to 400ºF (205ºC). This temperature is perfect for cooking the cod to a delicate flake while allowing the topping to crisp beautifully. Meanwhile, lightly grease a 9×13-inch ceramic or glass baking dish with ghee or avocado oil to prevent sticking and add a touch of richness to the final dish.
Step 2: Prep the Cod Fillets
Take your wild-caught cod fillets and pat them dry with paper towels to help the seasoning stick and keep the texture just right. Arrange the fillets gently in the greased dish, then sprinkle evenly with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to awaken the flavors.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce
In a saucepan, melt the butter-like ghee over medium heat. Add the finely diced shallot and minced garlic, sautéing until they become fragrant and translucent. Pour in the heavy coconut cream, then stir in fresh lemon juice, dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Let the sauce warm gently so all the glorious flavors meld together before being poured lovingly around the cod fillets.
Step 4: Bake and Broil the Cod
Before sliding your dish into the oven, brush each cod fillet with a little more ghee—this extra layer of fat encourages a beautiful golden color. Sprinkle the pork panko evenly on top for a crunch factor that’s hard to resist. Bake for 14 to 16 minutes until the cod is just cooked through and tender. Then, switch your oven to broil and finish under the heat for 3 to 5 minutes to achieve a crisp, golden crust that adds a delightful contrast to the creamy sauce beneath.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once your cod is out of the oven, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a pop of color and fresh aromatic notes. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for those who love an extra squeeze of citrus to brighten every bite.
How to Serve Creamy Lemon Garlic Baked Cod Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley isn’t just a visual treat but adds a subtle herbaceous lift that cuts through the rich creaminess beautifully. Lemon wedges bring a bright, refreshing acidity that complements the seafood perfectly. Both garnishes elevate this Creamy Lemon Garlic Baked Cod Recipe from comforting to downright elegant.
Side Dishes
Pair this dish with light sides that soak up the creamy sauce wonderfully, like steamed asparagus, garlic roasted baby potatoes, or a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette. Steamed rice or fluffy quinoa also make perfect vessels for scooping up every last bit of that luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve your cod atop a bed of wilted spinach or sautéed kale. Drizzle a little extra cream sauce around the plate’s edge and sprinkle crushed toasted almonds for a crunch contrast. You could even serve it family-style in the baking dish at the table for a cozy, inviting experience that begs to be savored slowly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (though it’s rare!), place them in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. The cod will stay fresh for up to two days, allowing you to enjoy its creamy goodness without losing texture or flavor.
Freezing
Freezing is not ideal for this creamy baked cod recipe because the texture of the fish and sauce can change, becoming watery or grainy after thawing. However, if needed, freeze the cooked cod in a sealed container and consume within one month, thawing slowly in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a low oven (around 300ºF or 150ºC) to prevent the fish from drying out. Avoid microwave reheating when possible, as this can cause uneven heating and negatively affect the cream sauce’s texture. Warm the cod just until heated through to preserve its tender, flaky texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh lemon zest in this Creamy Lemon Garlic Baked Cod Recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh lemon zest adds a lovely aroma and extra citrus punch that brightens the sauce even more. Just add it along with the lemon juice in the cream sauce step.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, by substituting grass-fed ghee with avocado oil and using heavy coconut cream in place of regular heavy cream, this recipe is both rich and fully dairy-free without sacrificing flavor.
What if I don’t have pork panko—what’s a good alternative?
You can use regular breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or even finely chopped nuts to achieve a similar crunchy topping. Just keep in mind that the texture and flavor will vary slightly.
Can I prep this recipe ahead of time?
You can prep the cream sauce and season the fish a few hours ahead, keeping them refrigerated separately. Assemble and bake just before serving to maintain the best texture and freshness.
How do I know when the cod is perfectly cooked?
The fish should flake easily with a fork and look opaque throughout. Overcooking dries it out, so aim to remove it from the oven once tender and flaky but still moist.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Lemon Garlic Baked Cod Recipe truly feels like a gift to any seafood lover’s table. It’s effortlessly impressive, packed with layers of vibrant flavor, and comforting creaminess that makes every meal feel special. I promise once you try it, it will be a recipe you return to again and again for easy dinner inspiration or an elegant dinner with friends. So grab the ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to savor something wonderfully delicious and nourishing!
Print
Creamy Lemon Garlic Baked Cod Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
This Creamy Lemon Garlic Baked Cod recipe features tender wild-caught cod fillets baked in a luscious coconut cream sauce infused with garlic, shallots, fresh lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Topped with a crispy pork panko crust and finished with a golden broil, it offers a delightful blend of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors—perfect for a healthy, satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Fish
- 4 6 oz (170g) wild-caught, sustainably-sourced 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
- 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 & 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 ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the cod evenly.
- Prepare baking dish: Grease a 9×13 inch ceramic or glass baking dish using ghee or avocado oil. This prevents the fish from sticking and adds flavor.
- Prep cod fillets: Pat dry each cod fillet with paper towels. Place them in the prepared baking dish, then season evenly with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Make cream sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the ghee. Sauté the finely diced shallot and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the heavy coconut cream, freshly squeezed lemon juice, Dijon mustard, sea salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Allow the sauce to warm through but do not boil. Pour the mixture evenly around the cod fillets in the baking dish.
- Bake: Brush the top of each cod fillet with an extra layer of ghee or avocado oil. Sprinkle the pork panko evenly over the fillets to create a crunchy topping. Bake in the preheated oven for 14-16 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Broil: For a golden brown, crispy crust, switch the oven to broil and cook the cod for an additional 3-5 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Finish and serve: Remove the dish from the oven and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately alongside lemon wedges to squeeze over the fish for extra brightness.
Notes
- *Heavy coconut cream is used instead of dairy cream to provide richness and creaminess while keeping the recipe dairy-free except for the use of ghee. Avocado oil can be substituted for ghee for fully dairy-free preparation.
- **Pork panko gives a crunchy, flavorful topping but can be substituted with a plant-based or gluten-free panko if preferred.
- Adjust cayenne pepper level to control the heat according to your preference.
- Ensure cod fillets are fully dried before seasoning to help achieve a better texture.
- Use wild-caught, sustainably sourced cod for best flavor and environmental responsibility.
