Creamy Lemon Garlic Baked Cod Recipe

Say hello to your new weeknight hero: Creamy Lemon Garlic Baked Cod. Velvety coconut cream, zippy lemon, and golden pork panko come together over flaky cod in this irresistible, fuss-free dinner that’s sure to steal a spot in your regular rotation!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Creamy Lemon Garlic Baked Cod is that it relies on just a few wholesome ingredients, yet each one shines. From the flaky cod to the tangy sauce and crisp topping, every element is there for maximum flavor and luscious texture.

• Wild-caught cod fillets: The star of the show—choose fresh, firm fillets for the best flake and mildest flavor. If possible, opt for sustainable sources.
• Grass-fed ghee (or avocado oil): Gives the sauce fabulous depth and richness without the heaviness of butter; avocado oil is perfect for dairy-free friends.
• Shallot: Brings gentle sweetness and a subtle oniony backbone to the creamy sauce.
• Garlic: The star flavor—use freshly minced or pressed garlic for the boldest punch.
• Heavy coconut cream: Delivers dreamy, dairy-free silkiness and a hint of sweetness; choose a brand that’s thick but pourable.
• Freshly squeezed lemon juice: Adds bright acidity that wakes up the entire dish (no bottled juice—trust me on this!).
• Dijon mustard: A spoonful kicks up complexity and gives the sauce a gentle tang.
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper: Brings everything to life—don’t be shy!
• Cayenne pepper: Provides a subtle heat that elevates the sauce without overpowering.
• Pork panko (or crushed pork rinds): The crispy magic! Delivers unbeatable crunch on top—just make sure they’re clean and baked, not fried.
• Chopped parsley: For a fresh, herby pop at serving.
• Lemon wedges: A final, zingy touch for anyone who loves extra citrus.
• Extra ghee or avocado oil: For greasing the dish and brushing over the fillets before baking.

Variations

This Creamy Lemon Garlic Baked Cod is endlessly adaptable! You can easily adjust the recipe based on what you have on hand, your dietary needs, or simply to suit your favorite flavors—here are a few tasty ideas to inspire you.

• Make it extra spicy: Add more cayenne or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a fiery kick.
• Use different white fish: Try this method with haddock, halibut, or even tilapia—just keep a close eye on baking time.
• Paleo or Whole30 swap: Use avocado oil instead of ghee and check your pork panko or rinds for clean ingredients (no sneaky sugars!).
• Add fresh herbs: Fold chopped dill, chives, or basil into the sauce for a different flavor profile—herby and summery!
• Low-FODMAP option: Skip the shallots and use only the green part of scallions for a lighter touch.

How to Make Creamy Lemon Garlic Baked Cod

Step 1: Prep the Cod and Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little ghee or avocado oil. Pat the cod fillets completely dry with paper towels—this is key for the sauce to cling and for the cod to bake up perfectly tender. Set the cod in the dish, spacing the fillets evenly, and sprinkle with a little salt and pepper.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce

Melt 1 1/2 tablespoons of ghee in a small saucepan over medium heat. Toss in the finely diced shallot and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant—about 2 minutes. Stir in the coconut cream, lemon juice, Dijon, salt, black pepper, and cayenne, whisking until the sauce is smooth. Turn off the heat—the kitchen will smell heavenly at this point!

Step 3: Assemble and Top

Pour the dreamy lemon garlic cream sauce into the baking dish, making sure it pools around (but not on top of) the cod fillets. Brush the tops of each fillet with a little more melted ghee or avocado oil, then sprinkle generously with pork panko. This step is what gives you those irresistibly crispy, golden tops!

Step 4: Bake and Broil to Finish

Bake for 14–16 minutes, or until the cod is opaque and just barely flakes (an internal temperature of 140°F/60°C). Then, pop the dish under the broiler for 3–5 minutes, keeping a close eye as the tops turn golden and crisp. When the cod reaches 145°F/63°C, it’s time to come out and be showered in parsley and lemon!

How to Serve Creamy Lemon Garlic Baked Cod

Garnishes

Garnishing is where the dish really comes alive! A handful of fresh chopped parsley adds color and a clean, herby finish, while an extra squeeze of lemon brightens each bite. For a little shimmer, a light drizzle of good olive oil over the fillets just before serving is a wonderful bonus.

Side Dishes

Creamy Lemon Garlic Baked Cod is delicious over a bed of fluffy rice, cauliflower rice, or tender mashed potatoes so you catch every drop of sauce. Pair it with simple sautéed greens, roasted broccolini, or a fresh tomato salad for a well-rounded, vibrant meal.

Creative Ways to Present

This dish looks stunning served family-style straight from the baking dish, but you can also plate each fillet with a little pool of sauce, a scattering of panko, and a twist of lemon zest for flair. For dinner parties, try individual gratin dishes—everyone will love getting their own golden-topped cod!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, allow the cod to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 2 days—the sauce may separate slightly, but it will still be delicious when you reheat gently.

Freezing

While you can freeze Creamy Lemon Garlic Baked Cod, the texture of the sauce and fish is best enjoyed fresh. If you must freeze, do so tightly sealed for up to 1 month, and know the topping may soften upon thawing. Reheat gently for best results!

Reheating

For best results, warm leftovers in a 300°F (150°C) oven, covered with foil, until heated through (about 10–12 minutes). Avoid the microwave, which tends to toughen the delicate fish.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a fuss-free, flavor-forward dinner, Creamy Lemon Garlic Baked Cod is pure comfort in a baking dish. I hope this recipe turns into one of those weeknight favorites you rely on for both effortless cooking and major dinner table smiles. Give it a try—you’re in for something special!

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