Creamy Lemon Garlic Baked Cod Recipe

If you’re searching for a weeknight dinner that’s both comfortingly creamy and refreshingly bright, you’ll fall head over heels for Creamy Lemon Garlic Baked Cod. Tender, flaky cod fillets are nestled in a dreamy coconut cream sauce, then finished with a golden, crisp pork panko topping—and you won’t believe how easily it all comes together!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This dish may taste like it came from your favorite bistro, but the ingredient list is blissfully short. Every element plays a starring role—from the cod’s mild sweetness to the bright pop of lemon and the luscious, dairy-free creaminess that holds it all together.

• Wild-caught cod fillets: Tender, flaky, and mild, cod is the ideal canvas for this luscious sauce. Go for sustainably-sourced for the best flavor and peace of mind.
• Grass-fed ghee (or avocado oil): Adds richness—and gives a golden hue to both the fish and the topping. Avocado oil works perfectly for a dairy-free option.
• Shallot: Its sweet, delicate nature melts into the sauce, adding subtle depth without overpowering the fish.
• Fresh garlic: Five cloves may sound bold, but it creates a wonderful, mellow flavor once sautéed. Don’t skimp on fresh garlic for this recipe!
• Heavy coconut cream: The magic secret to making this Creamy Lemon Garlic Baked Cod ultra-luxurious (and dairy-free, if you wish). Be sure to use a full-fat variety for best results.
• Fresh lemon juice: Just a bit is all you need to brighten the cream and make the cod absolutely sing.
• Dijon mustard: Adds intrigue and a gentle tang that ties the sauce together—don’t worry, you won’t taste “mustard.”
• Sea salt & freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning every element, making those flavors pop.
• Cayenne pepper: Just a pinch wakes up the sauce—bump it up if you like extra heat!
• Pork panko: This crispy, grain-free “breadcrumb” layer gives the creamy dish a fantastic crunch—gluten-free and absolutely delicious.
• Chopped parsley & lemon wedges: For a fresh finish and pretty presentation.
• Extra ghee or avocado oil: For greasing the dish and brushing the fillets, adding a final glossy touch.

Variations

This recipe is fantastically adaptable—don’t hesitate to give it your own spin! Whether you want to shift up the protein, make it spicier, or match dietary preferences, Creamy Lemon Garlic Baked Cod is easy to personalize.

• Different Fish: Swap the cod for haddock, halibut, or even thick tilapia fillets if that’s what’s available—just adjust cooking times as needed.
• Make it Spicier: Amp up the cayenne or add a sprinkle of chili flakes to the coconut cream for a more pronounced kick.
• Dairy Cream Option: If you’re not dairy-free, sub heavy cream for coconut cream for a classic, ultra-rich taste.
• Nutty Crunch: Out of pork panko? Try an almond flour and crushed pecan blend for a slightly different, but equally lovely, crispy layer.

How to Make Creamy Lemon Garlic Baked Cod

Step 1: Prep and Season the Cod

Start by preheating your oven to 400ºF (205ºC) and lightly greasing your baking dish with a touch of ghee or avocado oil—this ensures nothing sticks and adds flavor from the outset. Next, pat the cod fillets completely dry with paper towels (this is key for getting that perfect, flaky texture!) and lay them evenly in the dish. Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt and black pepper right on top of each fillet.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce

Melt the ghee in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely diced shallot and minced garlic, sautéing for two minutes until fragrant and translucent (your kitchen will already smell amazing!). Stir in the coconut cream, fresh lemon juice, dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and that little pinch of cayenne. Give it a good stir so the sauce becomes silky and fully combined—then turn off the heat.

Step 3: Assemble and Top

Carefully pour the creamy sauce around the cod fillets, being sure to drizzle it in the pan but not directly over the top—this way, the crunchy topping will brown beautifully. Brush the tops of the fillets with a bit more melted ghee or avocado oil. Sprinkle a generous layer of pork panko over each piece, pressing lightly so it adheres.

Step 4: Bake and Broil for Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the hot oven and bake for 14–16 minutes, or until the centers of the fish hit 140ºF (60ºC). For that irresistible golden crunch, finish by broiling the dish on high for 3–5 minutes more (keep a close eye so the panko doesn’t burn!). Your Creamy Lemon Garlic Baked Cod is ready when the topping is crisp and the internal temp reaches 145ºF (63ºC).

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

As soon as the cod comes out, scatter over fresh chopped parsley for a vivid burst of color and tuck lemon wedges around the sides. Serve it right from the baking dish while everything’s piping hot—don’t forget to spoon plenty of that luscious sauce onto each plate!

How to Serve Creamy Lemon Garlic Baked Cod

Garnishes

A flurry of chopped fresh parsley is always a gorgeous contrast to the golden topping, and a few lemon wedges let each diner tweak the zing to their taste. For a dash of extra color, you might sprinkle a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes across the top just before serving.

Side Dishes

This Creamy Lemon Garlic Baked Cod pairs perfectly with buttery mashed potatoes, fluffy jasmine rice, or simple steamed cauliflower rice for a lighter meal. On the veggie side, try crisp green beans, sautéed spinach, or a bright arugula salad with vinaigrette to balance the creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving a crowd, bring the bubbling baking dish right to the table—family-style presentation makes for a cozy meal and lets everyone scoop up extra sauce. Or, to impress, carefully plate the cod on a mound of greens or grains, drizzle with the creamy lemon garlic sauce, and finish with a scattering of microgreens for that restaurant-worthy flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Creamy Lemon Garlic Baked Cod cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to two days for optimum freshness—the sauce will remain luscious, and the flavors meld beautifully overnight!

Freezing

While the sauce itself handles freezing well, the panko topping can soften in the freezer. For best results, freeze the baked cod and sauce without the topping, then reheat gently and add a fresh layer of pork panko before broiling to re-crisp.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the baking dish with foil and warm in a 325ºF (165ºC) oven until heated through—uncover for the last few minutes, or broil briefly to rejuvenate the crispy panko. Avoid the microwave, which can make the fish rubbery and soften the topping.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been feeling uninspired by your usual dinner rotation, give this Creamy Lemon Garlic Baked Cod a try. It’s comfort food without the heaviness, packed with bright flavors and irresistible textures. Pull up a chair, pour yourself something lovely, and savor every last bite—you’ll want to make this again and again!

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