When I adopted the keto lifestyle at 34, I challenged myself to turn simple ingredients into deeply satisfying meals. Cod wasn’t always my favorite fish, but experimenting in the kitchen taught me that it becomes something extraordinary when paired with bright lemon and rich coconut cream. This baked cod in a silky coconut lemon cream sauce became one of those “aha” moments light, luxurious, and incredibly easy. Every time I make it, I’m reminded that healthy food can still feel indulgent. Today, I’m excited to share this recipe with you so it can bring the same comfort to your table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Naturally Keto & Low Carb – Rich coconut cream replaces heavy carb-loaded thickeners.
- Bright but Comforting Flavor – Lemon, garlic, and coconut make a silky, restaurant-style sauce.
- Easy Weeknight Prep – Simple steps and minimal cleanup.
- Perfect for Meal Prep – Stores well and reheats beautifully.
- High-Protein, High-Nutrition Fish Dinner – Cod is mild, flaky, and full of lean protein.
- Versatile Pairings – Works with cauliflower rice, sautéed greens, or simple roasted veggies.
Preparation and Cooking Time
Prep Time — 10 minutes
Cook Time — 20 minutes
Total Time — 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs cod fillets (or horangi cod if available)
- 1 cup full-fat coconut cream
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter or ghee
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C).
- Pat the cod dry with paper towels and season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and paprika.
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat and sauté garlic for 1 minute.
- Stir in coconut cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes; simmer 2–3 minutes.
- Place the cod fillets into a baking dish and pour the silky coconut lemon cream sauce over the top.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Spoon extra sauce over each serving and garnish with fresh parsley.
How to Serve
Serve this baked cod in a silky coconut lemon cream sauce with:
- Cauliflower rice or creamy mashed cauliflower
- Zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash
- Lightly sautéed spinach
- Roasted asparagus or broccoli
- A squeeze of extra lemon for brightness
For a restaurant-style finish, plate the cod over a bed of greens and drizzle with warm sauce.
Additional Tips
- For extra creaminess: add 1 oz cream cheese to the sauce.
- To keep it ultra keto: avoid low-fat coconut milk; always choose full-fat coconut cream.
- Want mild flavor? Reduce the lemon juice by half.
- Want more depth? Add ½ tsp Dijon mustard to the sauce.
- Avoid overcooking: cod turns dry quickly check at the 15-minute mark.
Recipe Variations
- Keto Coconut Curry Cod – Add 1 tsp curry powder and a pinch of turmeric.
- Spicy Lemon Pepper Cod – Increase lemon zest and add cayenne pepper.
- Mediterranean Coconut Cod – Add olives, cherry tomatoes, and herbs.
- Coconut Basil Cod – Stir fresh basil into the sauce after baking.
Freezing and Storage
Refrigeration
Store leftovers in an airtight glass container for up to 3 days.
Freezing
Yes, cod freezes well!
- Cool completely.
- Store in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 1 month.
- Freeze the sauce separately if possible to maintain consistency.
Meal Prep Tip
Portion cooked cod with a side such as cauliflower rice for grab-and-heat weekday lunches.
Special Equipment
Baking dish
Zester or microplane
Skillet
Sharp chef’s knife
Cutting board
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of fish like bass fish or salmon?
Yes! Bass fish, salmon, tilapia, and halibut all work beautifully with this sauce.
2. Is this recipe keto friendly?
Absolutely. Coconut cream, butter, and cod are naturally low carb and ideal for keto meals.
3. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, cook on LOW for 2–3 hours, but avoid overcooking to keep the cod flaky.
4. Can I use horangi cod or frozen cod?
Yes. Horangi cod is delicious for this dish. Frozen cod works too just thaw and pat dry first.
5. What can I serve instead of vegetables?
Try cauliflower rice, keto bread rolls, or a crisp green salad.
Conclusion
This baked cod in a silky coconut lemon cream sauce brings together everything you want in a comforting, healthy dinner lean protein, luxurious flavor, keto-friendly ingredients, and effortless preparation. Whether you’re cooking for family or prepping meals for the week, this recipe consistently delivers the perfect balance of freshness and richness.