Delicious Coconut Curry Baked Cod for a Flavorful Main Dish

I have to tell you about the Coconut Curry Baked Cod I just made—I’m obsessed! The moment I took that first bite, my taste buds did a happy dance. There’s this beautiful balance going on: the creamy coconut curry sauce is sweet and slightly spicy, with savory notes that just hug the flaky, tender baked cod. It’s like a flavor party where everyone invited is bringing their best game. If you’ve been looking for a baked cod recipe that’s bursting with vibrant flavor and a hint of comfort, this one’s pure gold.

What hooked me about this Coconut Curry Baked Cod was how easy it is to nail that complex coconut curry sauce without a ton of fuss, making it the perfect healthy fish dish for busy evenings. The cod stays perfectly moist while soaking up all those rich curry flavors—total winner for dinner that feels fancy but doesn’t demand a Michelin star’s worth of effort. I first spotted a variation of this dish on this fantastic Thai-inspired version over at Thai-Inspired Coconut Cod – Dishing Out Health, and it inspired me to tweak it with my own spin for a Coconut Curry Baked Cod that hits more of those crave-worthy notes I always want.

If you’ve been craving an easy seafood dinner packed with flavors that make your mouth sing, this recipe is about to become your new favorite. I’m telling all my fellow foodies because it deserves a spot in your dinner rotation. Ready to get into every delicious detail? Let’s dive into what you need to make this Coconut Curry Baked Cod magic happen.

What You Need

Here’s the lineup of ingredients making this Coconut Curry Baked Cod absolutely crave-worthy:

  • 4 cod fillets (6 ounces each), fresh or thawed (splurge on wild-caught if you can for the best texture)
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil (grab this from the international aisle for that authentic tropical vibe)
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced (I go heavy here for the flavor punch)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon red curry paste (this is the secret ingredient that takes the coconut curry sauce over the top)
  • 1 can (14 ounces) coconut milk, full-fat for richness
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce (adds umami magic)
  • Juice of 1 lime (brightens everything up)
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • Pinch of salt and fresh black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh cilantro and sliced red chili for garnish (optional, but 100% worth it)

Pro tip: If you want to save time, pre-minced garlic or ginger paste works just fine without losing the fresh zing. Keep your coconut milk fresh by shaking the can before opening so it’s well combined, and store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days—it’s still amazing reheated.

Raw ingredients for Coconut Curry Baked Cod on marble surface

How to Make It

This step is where the magic happens with your Coconut Curry Baked Cod! Follow along and get ready for your kitchen to smell incredible, drawing everyone in before you even sit down to eat.

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with a little coconut oil—this keeps the fish from sticking and adds subtle aroma.
  2. Heat the remaining coconut oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes. Your Coconut Curry Baked Cod base starts building right here, with the sweet onions setting a flavorful stage.
  3. Add minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir for 1-2 minutes until fragrant—the smell alone will have you craving this Coconut Curry Baked Cod after just a few breaths.
  4. Stir in the red curry paste, turmeric, and cumin. Let these spices bloom with the mix, about 1 minute. This aroma is so intoxicating, it’s basically a teaser for the drool-worthy dinner to come.
  5. Pour in the coconut milk, fish sauce, and lime juice. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, whisking until the coconut curry sauce thickens slightly, about 4-5 minutes. This rich, flavorful coconut curry sauce is the heart of the dish, soaking every inch of the cod in creamy goodness.
  6. Place the cod fillets in the baking dish and pour the coconut curry sauce evenly on top. Make sure each fillet gets covered in that lush sauce—that’s where all the savory, sweet, and spicy flavors mingle in the Coconut Curry Baked Cod.
  7. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until the cod flakes easily with a fork and looks golden and gorgeous. Keep an eye so it doesn’t overcook—the fish should still be tender and juicy.
  8. Garnish with fresh cilantro and sliced red chili for a pop of color and heat. This finishing touch not only elevates the look but also adds a fresh bite to your Coconut Curry Baked Cod.

Here’s how to get restaurant-quality Coconut Curry Baked Cod at home—no fancy gadgets, just bold flavors and simple steps. For a shortcut, some fellow foodies swear by using jarred red curry paste brands for consistent spice and depth. My tip: don’t rush the simmering of the coconut curry sauce—it’s where this baked cod recipe earns its signature flavor.

Serving This Up

This Coconut Curry Baked Cod pairs like a dream with fluffy jasmine rice or a cooling cucumber salad to balance the richness. If you’re feeling seasonal, roast up some cauliflower with curry spices to serve alongside for an extra punch of flavor and texture. I’ve found this dish makes a show-stopping centerpiece for casual dinner parties or even weeknight meals where you want to feel a little fancy with minimal effort.

Slight angle close up of finished Coconut Curry Baked Cod

Leftover Coconut Curry Baked Cod is amazing tossed over rice bowls or gently reheated and served with steamed greens for a quick weekday lunch. Trust me, it never gets boring when you remix the flavors! For that “wow” factor on the plate, drizzle extra coconut curry sauce over the fish and sides, then garnish with herbs and a wedge of lime.

If you love this Coconut Curry Baked Cod, you need to try the Coconut Curry Lentil Soup from FoodieDishes for another flavor-packed spin. It’s just as cozy and satisfying! And when you want a drink to match, the Pineapple Coconut Smoothie Refreshing Tropical Drink is a cool tropical fit.

Your Questions Answered

How do I make this Coconut Curry Baked Cod extra flavorful?
Focus on using quality red curry paste and fresh aromatics like garlic and ginger. Let the coconut curry sauce simmer low and slow to deepen those flavors. A splash of fish sauce adds umami, and finishing with fresh lime juice brightens everything.

Can I meal prep this Coconut Curry Baked Cod?
Totally! It reheats beautifully and stays moist if you store it in an airtight container. Just reheat gently on the stove or microwave to avoid drying out the cod. Making a bigger batch of the coconut curry sauce and freezing portions has saved me on busy nights.

What’s the best way to reheat Coconut Curry Baked Cod without losing quality?
Warm leftovers in a covered pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or extra coconut milk if it looks too thick. This helps keep the fish tender and the sauce creamy.

Can I use other fish instead of cod?
Yes, flaky white fish like halibut or haddock work well. Keep baking time similar but check doneness frequently.

Is the coconut curry sauce spicy?
It balances mild heat from the curry paste with creamy sweetness from coconut milk. Adjust spice by adding more or less curry paste or chili.

Where do I find red curry paste?
Look in the international aisle or Asian food section of most grocery stores. You can also shop online. Opt for brands with fresh ingredients for best flavor.

Can this recipe be made dairy-free and gluten-free?
Absolutely! The recipe naturally avoids dairy, and most red curry pastes and fish sauces are gluten-free, but check your labels to be sure.

For more Coconut Curry Baked Cod inspiration, check out Thai-Inspired Coconut Cod from Dishing Out Health. The sheer variety of flavorful cod recipes out there will have your seafood dinners feeling anything but boring!

Final Bites

This Coconut Curry Baked Cod belongs in your dinner line-up for easy seafood dinner nights that crave delicious vibes without a fuss. I’m sharing my top foodie tips that helped make this dish a total hit:

  • Use full-fat coconut milk for a luxuriously creamy coconut curry sauce every time.
  • Don’t rush simmering the sauce; this step builds layers of flavor that soak into the fish.
  • Garnish boldly with fresh herbs and extra lime juice to add brightness and balance.

Want to shake things up? Try these tested Coconut Curry Baked Cod variations: add cherry tomatoes for juicy pops, toss in diced bell peppers for extra crunch, or swap lime juice for tamarind paste for a tangy twist. The lime-enhanced version gets the most love around here—bright and lively!

Customize this Coconut Curry Baked Cod however you want. The beauty is in making it your own and tasting all those flavor layers in every bite.

I’m so excited for you to try this Coconut Curry Baked Cod and taste the magic of a perfectly balanced, vibrant seafood dinner. Head over for more tasty inspiration like the Roasted Cauliflower Curry Soup or the tender Poached Cod in Coconut Milk – Slow The Cook Down to keep those flavor-packed meals rolling! Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.

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Coconut Curry Baked Cod

Freshly prepared Coconut Curry Baked Cod on white plate

This Coconut Curry Baked Cod features flaky cod fillets baked in a fragrant coconut curry sauce, offering a flavorful, healthy, and easy-to-make meal perfect for weeknights.

  • Author: Kenna Rae Dalton
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: Asian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
  • 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
  • 2 tbsp red curry paste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Cooked jasmine rice (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and ginger; cook until fragrant and softened, about 3 minutes.
  3. Stir in red curry paste and cook for another minute.
  4. Add coconut milk and lime juice. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Place cod fillets in a baking dish and season with salt and pepper.
  6. Pour the coconut curry sauce over the cod.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
  8. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with jasmine rice.

Notes

For extra heat, add a sliced red chili to the curry sauce or serve with a side of steamed vegetables to balance the flavors.

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