Why You’ll Love This Coconut Curry Baked Cod

If you’re looking for a dish that is both delicious and easy to prepare, look no further! Here are some reasons why you’ll fall in love with this Coconut Curry Baked Cod:

Quick and Easy: This recipe is straightforward and takes just about 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Perfect for Beginners: No complicated techniques or fancy tools required. Anyone can make this dish successfully.
Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with protein and healthy fats from the cod and coconut milk, this meal is both filling and good for you.
Family-Friendly: The mild flavors of coconut and curry appeal to both adults and children, making it an ideal family meal.
Flavor Explosion: Bright and aromatic spices create a mouthwatering experience that transports your taste buds to a tropical paradise.

The Necessary Ingredients

To make this delicious Coconut Curry Baked Cod, you will need the following ingredients:

4 cod fillets
1 can coconut milk
2 tablespoons red curry paste
1 tablespoon lime juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ginger, grated
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish

Notes and Substitutions on Ingredients:

Cod Fillets: Cod is a mild, flaky fish, but if you can’t find it, you can substitute it with haddock or tilapia for a similar texture and flavor.
Coconut Milk: This ingredient is crucial for creamy consistency and rich flavor. If you’re looking for a low-fat option, light coconut milk can be used, but it may alter the creaminess slightly.
Red Curry Paste: This adds depth of flavor and spice to the dish. If you prefer less heat, consider using a milder curry paste or reduce the amount slightly.

How to Prepare the Coconut Curry Baked Cod Step by Step

Preheat the oven: Start by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C). Preheating is important because it ensures even cooking.

Pro Tip: A properly preheated oven will help the cod cook evenly and develop a nice flaky texture.
Make the Coconut Curry Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, red curry paste, lime juice, garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Pro Tip: Taste your sauce before adding the cod; you can adjust the seasoning to your liking!
Prepare the Cod: Place the cod fillets in a baking dish and pour the coconut curry sauce over the top, covering the fish completely.

Pro Tip: Ensure that the cod is in a single layer in the dish for even cooking.
Bake the Cod: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cod flakes easily with a fork.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the cooking time; overcooked cod can become tough. Check it around the 15-minute mark.
Garnish and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Pro Tip: Adding herbs at the end of cooking enhances their fresh flavors and aromas!

Serving Suggestions

Perfect Pairings

Rice or Quinoa: Serve the Coconut Curry Baked Cod with a side of steamed jasmine rice or fluffy quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce.
Salad: A light cucumber salad can balance the richness of the curry.
Wine: Pair it with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or a light beer to enhance the flavors.

Occasions

Weeknight Dinner: Perfect for quick dinners when you want something healthy and satisfying.
Special Occasion Meal: Impress guests with a flavorful dish that looks stunning on the table.

Serving Tips

Serve directly from the baking dish for a rustic touch, or plate individually for an elegant presentation.
Drizzle extra lime juice over the top for an added burst of flavor.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Refrigerated

Duration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Type of Container: Use glass containers for easy reheating and to help retain moisture.

Freezing

If Possible: You can freeze the cooked cod and sauce for up to 1 month.
Packaging: Ensure it’s in a freezer-safe container and tightly sealed to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating

Best Method: Reheat gently in the microwave or in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through.

Guaranteed Success Tips

Don’t Overcook the Cod: As previously mentioned, cod cooks quickly. Avoid the temptation to leave it in too long!
Taste as You Go: Adjust spices and seasoning to suit your taste preferences.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger will give you the best flavor.
Let It Rest: Allow the cod to sit for a minute after removing it from the oven to enhance the flavors.
Keep It Covered: If you’re concerned about drying out the dish, you can cover it loosely with foil while it bakes.

Recipe Variations

For a Spicy Version: Add 1 teaspoon of Espelette pepper or your favorite chili flakes to the coconut sauce for some heat.
For a Vegan Version: Replace the cod with firm tofu (press it first to remove excess moisture) for a plant-based alternative.
Add Vegetables: Stir in some vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to the sauce for extra nutrition and color.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use frozen cod fillets for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen fillets. Just ensure they are completely thawed before cooking to achieve even cooking.

Q: What if I don’t have red curry paste?
A: You can make your own or use another type of curry paste or powder. Green curry paste can also work in a pinch.

Q: Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and store it in the fridge for up to three days. Just mix it in before baking.

Q: My cod didn’t flake well; what did I do wrong?
A: Overcooking can cause the fish to become tough. Always check for doneness around the 15-minute mark.

Q: How can I make this dish gluten-free?
A: The ingredients used are naturally gluten-free, but always check the labels on commercial curry paste to ensure it fits your dietary requirements.

Q: Can I add more coconut milk?
A: Yes, you can increase the coconut milk for a saucier dish, but you may want to adjust the other seasonings accordingly.

Q: What do I serve with leftovers?
A: Leftover coconut curry cod can be served over a bed of greens or within a wrap for a delicious lunch option!

This Coconut Curry Baked Cod offers a delightful journey of flavors that is simple to prepare, making it ideal for any night of the week. It’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!

Coconut Curry Baked Cod

Delicious and easy to prepare, this Coconut Curry Baked Cod is packed with flavor and perfect for busy weeknights.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Asian, Thai

Servings servings

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

4 pieces cod fillets Substitutes can include haddock or tilapia.
1 can coconut milk Light coconut milk can be used for a low-fat option.
2 tablespoons red curry paste Reduce the amount for less heat.
1 tablespoon lime juice
2 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic recommended for best flavor.
1 teaspoon ginger, grated Fresh ginger preferred.
to taste Salt and pepper
for garnish Fresh cilantro

Instructions

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, red curry paste, lime juice, garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Place the cod fillets in a baking dish and pour the coconut curry sauce over the top.

Cooking

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cod flakes easily with a fork.
Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Notes

Taste the sauce before adding the cod, and adjust the seasoning to your preference. Serve with rice or quinoa for a complete meal.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 25gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 15gSodium: 500mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2g

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