The Creamy Lemon Garlic Baked Cod Recipe is a delightful, comforting dish that brings together the bright, zesty notes of lemon with the rich, savory flavors of garlic and cream in a perfectly baked cod fillet. This dish balances indulgence and freshness in one pan, making it an ideal meal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. With its tender fish and luscious creamy sauce topped by a golden, crispy crust, this recipe turns simple ingredients into a memorable feast you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses straightforward, accessible ingredients that each play a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and visual appeal. From the buttery ghee to the punchy garlic and tangy lemon, every component enhances this dish’s irresistible charm.
- 4 6 oz wild-caught cod fillets: The centerpiece of the recipe, tender and flaky, providing a mild, fresh base.
- 1 1/2 Tbsp grass-fed ghee: Adds luscious richness and helps achieve a beautifully golden crust (avocado oil works for dairy-free).
- 1 medium shallot, finely diced: Offers a subtle sweetness that deepens the garlic’s sharpness without overpowering the cod.
- 5 large cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with fragrant savory warmth.
- 12 oz heavy coconut cream: Creates the silky, creamy sauce pairing beautifully with citrus and spice.
- 2 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice: Lifts the entire dish, brightening flavors and cutting through the richness.
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard: Adds a gentle tang and complexity to the cream sauce.
- 3/4 tsp sea salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all other flavors.
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper: Provides a mild peppery background note.
- 2 pinches cayenne pepper: Gives just enough spicy heat to make the dish interesting without overwhelming.
- 1/4 cup pork panko: Delivers a satisfying crunch topping, contrasting the creamy sauce below.
- Chopped parsley for garnish: A fresh, herbaceous finish that brightens each bite.
- Lemon wedges for serving: Encourages a final splash of citrus to personalize each serving.
- Extra ghee or avocado oil: To grease the baking dish and brush over cod for that perfect golden finish.
How to Make Creamy Lemon Garlic Baked Cod Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to a toasty 400ºF (205ºC). This temperature is key to creating a tender, flaky fish while browning the panko topping to a delightful crispness.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
Grease a 9×13 inch ceramic or glass baking dish with ghee or avocado oil. This ensures the cod doesn’t stick and helps achieve a beautiful caramelization on the edges.
Step 3: Season the Cod Fillets
Pat your cod fillets dry to remove any excess moisture, which helps them sear beautifully. Lay them gently in the baking dish and season all over with salt and black pepper for balanced flavor.
Step 4: Make the Cream Sauce
In a saucepan, melt the ghee and gently sauté the finely diced shallot and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent. Then, stir in the coconut cream, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, sea salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Let this simmer just a bit to marry those flavors before pouring the luscious sauce around your cod fillets.
Step 5: Add the Crunch and Bake
Brush the tops of the cod fillets with a little more ghee for richness and then sprinkle evenly with pork panko to form a crispy topping. Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 14 to 16 minutes until the fish is just cooked through. For an irresistible golden finish, broil for an additional 3 to 5 minutes until the panko turns beautifully golden brown.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once baked, crown your Creamy Lemon Garlic Baked Cod Recipe with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for that extra zesty kick.
How to Serve Creamy Lemon Garlic Baked Cod Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley not only adds a pop of green but also brings a subtle herbaceous brightness that perfectly complements the tangy lemon and creamy sauce. Lemon wedges are essential for guests who love an extra burst of citrus, allowing everyone to customize their taste.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with light, simple sides like steamed asparagus, garlic roasted potatoes, or a crunchy green salad. These choices help balance the richness of the cod, while a fluffy bed of rice or cauliflower rice soaks up all that decadent cream sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the cod over a nest of spiralized zucchini or alongside colorful heirloom carrots. Drizzle a little extra lemon sauce over the top and add edible flowers for a restaurant-quality finish that will wow guests and Instagram alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from this Creamy Lemon Garlic Baked Cod Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors will continue to develop, but the crispy panko topping will soften, so consider adding fresh breadcrumbs if reheating.
Freezing
While the creamy sauce and baked cod are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftover cooked cod without the topping for up to one month. Wrap tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag to prevent freezer burn. Avoid freezing with the panko topping, as it can become soggy upon thawing.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a low oven at 300ºF (150ºC) for 10 to 15 minutes until warmed through. This helps preserve the delicate texture of the fish without drying it out. You can refresh the topping by toasting fresh panko with a little ghee in a skillet separately to sprinkle on top right before serving.
FAQs
Can I use other types of fish in this Creamy Lemon Garlic Baked Cod Recipe?
Absolutely! While cod is wonderful for its mild flavor and flakiness, similar white fish like haddock, halibut, or pollock work beautifully as substitutes. Just adjust baking times based on thickness.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
Yes. Using heavy coconut cream instead of dairy cream and replacing ghee with avocado oil keeps the dish dairy-free while maintaining rich flavors and creamy texture.
How spicy is this dish?
The recipe includes just a pinch of cayenne pepper to add a gentle warmth, not overwhelming heat. You can adjust the cayenne amount depending on your spice tolerance, even omitting it for a milder version.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
You can make the cream sauce up to a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat gently and stir before pouring over the fish to bake, saving time on busy days.
What if I don’t have pork panko?
Regular panko breadcrumbs or crushed crackers can work as alternatives for that crunchy topping. For a nutty twist, finely chopped toasted nuts like almonds or hazelnuts also add a great texture contrast.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Creamy Lemon Garlic Baked Cod Recipe that makes it feel like a treat every time. The vibrant lemon and garlic meld effortlessly with the creamy sauce, all atop tender baked cod crowned with a crisp topping that brings everything together. I hope you give this recipe a try soon because it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feels both luxurious and comforting in every bite.
Print
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 Salt
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, and fresh lemon juice. Topped with a crunchy pork panko crust and a hint of cayenne, it creates a perfectly balanced dish that’s savory, tangy, and comforting. Ideal for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner, this recipe serves 4 and comes together in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Fish
- 4 6 oz (170g) wild-caught, sustainably-sourced cod fillets
Sauce and Toppings
- 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)
- 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’s hot and ready 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 add flavor.
- Prep cod fillets: Pat dry the cod fillets thoroughly with paper towels, then place them evenly spaced in the prepared baking dish. Season both sides with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Make cream sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 1/2 tablespoons of grass-fed ghee. Sauté the finely diced shallot and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Add heavy coconut cream, freshly squeezed lemon juice, Dijon mustard, sea salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir well and let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Assemble for baking: Pour the creamy lemon garlic sauce evenly around the cod fillets in the baking dish, ensuring they are partially submerged in the sauce. Brush the tops of the fillets with extra ghee or avocado oil for a golden finish.
- Add crunchy topping and bake: Sprinkle the pork panko evenly over the cod fillets. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 14-16 minutes, until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Broil for topping: After baking, switch your oven to broil and broil the cod for 3-5 minutes or until the panko topping is golden brown and crispy. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Finish and serve: Remove from oven, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges on the side to add extra brightness as desired.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute grass-fed ghee with avocado oil throughout the recipe.
- Use sustainably sourced wild-caught cod for best flavor and environmental impact.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the cayenne pepper to 1/16 tsp or more according to taste.
- The pork panko topping adds a crunchy texture; for a vegetarian alternative, use seasoned breadcrumbs.
- Ensure the cod fillets are dried well to prevent excess moisture from diluting the sauce.
