Name: Creamy Lemon Garlic Cod Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound cod, cut into 4 fillets; ½ tsp sea salt, to taste; ¼ tsp black pepper; 1 Tbsp avocado oil; 5 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (14-oz) can full-fat coconut milk (light or full-fat both work); Zest of 1 lemon; 1 Tbsp lemon juice; 1 cup fresh basil or spinach; 3 stalks green onion, chopped

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 11 reviews

The Creamy Lemon Garlic Cod Recipe is the perfect weeknight dish that strikes a beautiful balance between rich, zesty, and fresh flavors. This quick and easy recipe brings together tender cod fillets simmered in a luscious coconut milk sauce, enlivened by garlic, lemon zest, and bright herbs that make every bite a delightful experience. Whether you’re aiming for a nutritious meal or just want to impress family and friends with something light yet indulgent, this creamy, garlicky fish will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Six pieces of raw white fish fillets, each sprinkled lightly with black pepper and a hint of golden seasoning, lay spread out on a soft white cloth. The fish pieces show slight variations in shape and size, with some having smooth edges and one displaying delicate ridges along one side. The cloth beneath them has a soft, fluffy texture, appearing slightly wrinkled and resting on a white marbled surface. The light captures the subtle sheen on the fish, highlighting their moist and delicate texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients are key to nailing this dish. Each item plays an important role—from the creamy coconut milk that forms the sauce’s base to the fresh herbs that add a pop of color and flavor. These essentials come together effortlessly to create a dish that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, but with much less fuss.

1 Tbsp avocado oil: A heart-healthy oil with a mild flavor perfect for searing the cod without overpowering it.
1 pound cod fillets: Fresh or thawed cod is ideal for tender, flaky fish packed with protein.
1 (14-oz) can full-fat coconut milk: Provides a rich and creamy base that blends beautifully with lemon and garlic.
5 cloves garlic: The aromatic backbone that gives depth and warmth to the sauce.
Zest of 1 lemon: Adds vibrant citrus notes without too much acidity.
1 Tbsp lemon juice: Brings brightness and sharpness to balance the creamy sauce.
1 cup fresh basil or spinach: Finishing greens that introduce freshness and a lovely color contrast.
½ tsp sea salt: Enhances all the other flavors without making it salty.
¼ tsp black pepper: Just enough to add subtle spice and warmth.
3 stalks green onions, chopped: Adds a mild onion flavor and crunch as a garnish.

How to Make Creamy Lemon Garlic Cod Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Cod

Start by gently patting your cod fillets dry with paper towels. This little step is a game changer because it helps the fish sear nicely, creating a golden crust that locks in moisture. Sprinkle both sides with sea salt—it’s the simplest seasoning that will enhance the natural flavors of the cod.

Step 2: Sear the Cod

Heat avocado oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the cod fillets in the pan, flesh-side down if your fillets have skin. Sear for about 3 minutes until the fish is beautifully golden and just starting to cook through. Flip the fillets gently with a spatula and sear the other side for another 3 minutes. Remember, cod is delicate, so handle with care to keep the fillets intact.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

Remove the cooked cod and set it aside on a plate for a moment. Return the skillet to the stove and add a little more avocado oil if needed. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned—this is where the sauce gets its signature warmth and richness.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce

Add the coconut milk, lemon zest, and lemon juice directly to the skillet with the garlic. Stir everything together to combine the flavors, then bring the sauce to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Let it cook and thicken for about 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. If time allows, a longer simmer (15 to 20 minutes) helps deepen the flavors and results in a more luscious sauce.

Step 5: Finish Cooking the Cod in the Sauce

Gently nestle your seared cod back into the creamy sauce. Let it simmer until the fish flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. This final step ensures the cod absorbs all the garlicky, lemony goodness while becoming perfectly tender.

Step 6: Add Fresh Herbs and Season to Taste

Right before serving, stir in fresh basil or spinach and chopped green onions. These greens brighten the dish and introduce fresh color, making every bite delightfully vibrant. Taste your sauce, then add more sea salt or black pepper as you like.

How to Serve Creamy Lemon Garlic Cod Recipe

A white bowl filled with a base layer of fluffy light brown rice, topped with a piece of white cooked fish that has a soft texture and light specks of black pepper, garnished with bright green chopped scallions and spinach leaves. A shiny gold spoon rests inside the bowl on the left side. Behind the bowl, there is a silver pot containing more pieces of white fish in a creamy white sauce with green spinach and scallions floating on top. Around the bowl, on a white marbled surface, are two garlic bulbs, a halved lemon showing its yellow inside, green scallions, and a blue cloth napkin on the right side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Keep it simple yet stunning by finishing with a sprinkle of the chopped green onions and a few torn basil leaves. For extra zing, a light drizzle of fresh lemon juice or a twist of lemon peel adds an eye-catching hint of freshness that beautifully complements the creamy sauce.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with fluffy brown rice or nutritious cauliflower rice to soak up all that luscious sauce. Roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans work perfectly as well—adding texture, color, and a nutritious boost to complete your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a more elegant presentation, serve the cod fillets atop a bed of herbed rice with the sauce drizzled artistically around the edges of your plate. Alternatively, stack your fish on vibrant sauteed spinach or kale and garnish with edible flowers or microgreens for a restaurant-worthy visual that will wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Creamy Lemon Garlic Cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully over time, making your next meal just as delicious as the first. Be sure to keep the sauce and fish together to maintain moisture and taste.

Freezing

While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cod and sauce for up to 2 months. Use a freezer-safe container and leave some space for expansion. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to avoid overcooking the delicate fish.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers slowly on the stovetop over low to medium heat to keep the sauce creamy and prevent the cod from drying out. If reheating in the microwave, do so in short intervals and cover the dish to trap moisture. Avoid high heat to preserve the tender texture.

FAQs

Can I use other types of fish for this Creamy Lemon Garlic Cod Recipe?

Absolutely! While cod works beautifully because of its firm, flaky texture, other white fish like haddock, halibut, or tilapia can also be substituted. Just adjust cooking times slightly depending on the thickness of your fillets.

Is coconut milk necessary in this recipe?

The coconut milk provides the creamy base that makes the sauce unique and luscious, but you can substitute with heavy cream or a non-dairy creamer if you prefer. Keep in mind, the flavor will change slightly, and the coconut milk adds a subtle sweetness that’s hard to replicate.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

This entire dish is naturally dairy-free thanks to the use of coconut milk instead of cream or butter, making it perfect for those with lactose intolerance or following a dairy-free diet.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

You can make the sauce ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Gently reheat and then add the freshly cooked cod just before serving for best texture and flavor.

What’s the best way to tell when the cod is fully cooked?

The best way is to check the internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer; it should reach 145°F. Alternatively, the cod should flake easily with a fork but still be moist and tender—overcooking will cause it to become dry.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you’ve tried this Creamy Lemon Garlic Cod Recipe, it will become your go-to meal whenever you want something fast, flavorful, and nourishing. It’s perfect for busy days but elegant enough for company, a total winner in my book. So grab these simple ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s comforting, vibrant, and downright delicious!