Thank you so much for stopping by! If you’re here, it’s probably because you love a dish that’s comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make — and this Coconut Curry Baked Cod delivers on every single front. This recipe brings together the silky richness of coconut milk, the warming punch of curry, and the delicate flakiness of cod for a weeknight dinner that feels like a tropical getaway.

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What Is Coconut Curry Baked Cod?

This dish is a baked fish recipe inspired by Southeast Asian and Caribbean flavors, where creamy coconut milk and fragrant curry spices come together to create a vibrant, aromatic sauce. The cod, which is mild and tender, soaks up all that goodness in the oven, making every bite something truly special.

It’s a cozy, one-pan wonder that’s both elegant enough to serve guests and easy enough for a casual weeknight meal.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe

There are so many reasons to adore this Coconut Curry Baked Cod:

Simple to prepare: One pan, under an hour, minimal fuss.
Layers of flavor: Curry, garlic, lime, coconut — need I say more?
Healthy and light: Cod is low-fat, and coconut milk adds good fats.
Adaptable: Works with other fish and veggies too!

What Does Coconut Curry Baked Cod Taste Like?

Imagine this: flaky, buttery cod infused with a velvety sauce that’s creamy, spicy, sweet, and tangy all at once. The curry isn’t overpowering but adds a warm depth, while the coconut milk mellows everything beautifully. Each forkful is rich yet balanced, with just enough heat to keep things interesting.

Health Benefits of Coconut Curry Baked Cod

Lean Protein: Cod is packed with protein and omega-3s.
Gut-Friendly: Coconut milk contains medium-chain fatty acids that aid digestion.
Anti-inflammatory: Turmeric and ginger (often found in curry powders) support overall wellness.
Low Carb & Gluten-Free: Perfect for various dietary needs.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this dish to life:

4 cod fillets (about 5–6 oz each)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
2 tablespoons red curry paste (or yellow for a milder version)
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 can (14 oz) full-fat coconut milk
1 tablespoon fish sauce or soy sauce
Juice of 1 lime
1 teaspoon brown sugar (optional but recommended)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro and lime wedges for serving

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Oven-safe baking dish
Small saucepan
Cutting board and knife
Grater for ginger
Measuring spoons and cups

Optional Additions and Substitutions

Fish: Swap cod for halibut, haddock, or even salmon.
Spice level: Add chopped chili or a pinch of cayenne if you like more heat.
Veggies: Toss in bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or spinach for extra nutrition.
Coconut milk: Use light coconut milk to reduce fat content — though full-fat gives the best richness.
Vegan version: Try firm tofu in place of cod and skip the fish sauce.

How to Make Coconut Curry Baked Cod (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Preheat and prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels and lightly season both sides with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Make the curry sauce
In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until translucent (about 3–4 minutes). Add garlic and ginger, cook for another minute.

Stir in curry paste and turmeric, and let it cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the coconut milk, fish sauce, lime juice, and brown sugar. Simmer gently for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld. Taste and adjust salt or sweetness as needed.

Step 3: Bake the cod
Place the cod fillets in a single layer in your baking dish. Pour the warm curry sauce over the fish. Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the cod flakes easily with a fork.

Step 4: Garnish and serve
Top with fresh chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges. The smell when this comes out of the oven is incredible!!

What to Serve with Coconut Curry Baked Cod

This dish loves to be paired with:

Steamed jasmine or basmati rice
Coconut rice (if you’re feeling extra tropical!)
Garlic naan or roti to mop up that luscious sauce
Lightly sautéed greens or roasted vegetables
A crisp cucumber salad for contrast

Tips for the Best Coconut Curry Baked Cod

Use fresh fish: If using frozen cod, thaw completely and pat dry before baking.
Don’t overbake: Cod cooks quickly and can dry out, so keep an eye on it.
Make the sauce ahead: You can prep the curry sauce up to 2 days in advance!
Finish with a squeeze of lime: Brightens everything up beautifully.

Storing and Reheating

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or coconut milk if the sauce has thickened.
Freezing: Not recommended — the sauce may separate upon thawing.

General Info

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry to remove excess moisture before baking.

Is this recipe spicy?
It’s mild to medium depending on your curry paste. You can always adjust heat with more or less paste or by adding chili.

Can I make this ahead of time?
You can make the sauce in advance, but it’s best to bake the fish fresh for the best texture.

What curry paste should I use?
Thai red curry paste is most common, but yellow or even green can be used for a twist in flavor.

Conclusion

This Coconut Curry Baked Cod is the kind of recipe that makes you feel like you’re doing something special — without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s simple, soulful, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re looking to shake up your weeknight dinner routine or impress guests with a beautifully spiced dish, this one’s a winner.

If you’re craving more flavor-packed meals, check out these other irresistible ideas:

Irresistible Sweet Chili Garlic Salmon: Sweet, tangy, and spicy salmon that pairs perfectly with rice or noodles.
Blueberry Butter Swim Biscuits: A buttery, fruity bake that makes a dreamy side or dessert.
Crispy Parmesan Chicken with a Rich Garlic Sauce: Perfect for a crunchy, comforting dinner with bold garlic notes.

Let’s Keep Cooking Together!

If you make this Coconut Curry Baked Cod, I’d love to hear about it! Leave a review, pin a photo on Pinterest, and tag me so I can see your beautiful creations. Let’s inspire each other in the kitchen!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)

Calories: 310
Protein: 30g
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Sugar: 3g
Fiber: 1g