I still remember the first time I made my Coconut Curry Baked Cod—it was one of those evenings when I wanted something comforting yet healthy for the whole family. The kitchen filled with the warm aroma of coconut curry sauce mingling with the fresh scent of baked cod, and honestly, it felt like a hug in a dish. This Coconut Curry Baked Cod quickly worked its way into our family’s rotation, becoming my secret weapon for an easy fish dinner that even my picky kids adore.
You know, I’ve always believed cooking should be approachable and joyful. But I’ll admit, there was a moment when I first tried making seafood curry bake—it didn’t go as planned. The cod turned out a little dry, and the sauce was too thin. That “aha” moment pushed me to tinker with the coconut curry sauce until it was just right: rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced with gentle spices that complement the mild cod beautifully. It’s that kind of healthy baked cod recipe that feels indulgent but leaves you energized instead of weighed down.
Life gets busy, especially when juggling work and family, and that’s where this Coconut Curry Baked Cod shines. It’s simple to prepare, bakes up in no time, and makes weekdays less hectic without compromising on flavor. I also enjoy pairing it with some of my other favorite homemade dishes—like when I first tested it alongside my Thai chicken coconut curry recipe, which has a similar vibrant, comforting vibe.
If you’re someone who’s been hesitant to dive into cooking with cod or curry sauce, don’t worry! I promise you’re going to love how easy and forgiving this seafood curry bake is. This recipe captures everything I believe about home cooking: nourishing your family, sharing joy, and making dinner something to look forward to—even on the busiest nights. Ready to dive into this Coconut Curry Baked Cod with me? Let’s get cooking and bring some tropical warmth to your table!
What You’ll Need for This Coconut Curry Baked Cod
When I’m prepping for this Coconut Curry Baked Cod, I always make sure to have fresh ingredients on hand to keep it flavorful and wholesome. Here’s what I usually gather:
- 1.5 pounds fresh cod fillets (look for firm, white fillets at your local fish counter)
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk (full-fat gives the best creamy coconut curry sauce)
- 2 tablespoons red curry paste (my go-to for that authentic curry kick)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce (adds savory depth)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (fresh is best for brightening the sauce)
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar (balances the heat perfectly)
- A handful of chopped cilantro (for garnish and fresh flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or coconut oil for extra coconut flavor)

When shopping for cod, I recommend visiting the seafood counter where the fish is fresh, as frozen cod sometimes loses that tender texture we want in this baked cod recipe. Look for cod that smells fresh and is firm to the touch. Fun side note: I found that canned coconut milk brands vary widely—you want the thick, creamy kind for your coconut curry sauce. If you want to save a little, buying coconut milk in cartons sometimes comes cheaper, especially if you’ll use it in other recipes like my loaded baked potato soup.
Here’s a neat trick I picked up during one busy week: prep the curry sauce in advance and keep it refrigerated. It makes whipping up this Coconut Curry Baked Cod a snap when you’re short on time. Plus, onions and garlic can be chopped ahead—meal prep magic! Trust me, this seafood curry bake benefits from those little shortcuts, especially on hectic evenings when you want an easy fish dinner on the table fast.
If you have leftover coconut milk or curry paste, these keep well sealed in the fridge for about a week. I often use leftover coconut milk for smoothies or even this baked pumpkin seeds recipe—don’t let any ingredient go to waste.
Let’s Make This Coconut Curry Baked Cod Together
Alright, let’s roll up our sleeves and make this Coconut Curry Baked Cod happen step-by-step. Don’t worry if it’s your first time baking fish with coconut curry sauce—it’s simpler than it looks!
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it warms up, I usually gather all my ingredients, which makes the process feel less chaotic.
- Prepare the curry sauce: Heat the oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and grated ginger. Stir until fragrant—about 2-3 minutes. Your kitchen will start smelling amazing as the coconut curry sauce starts coming together.
- Stir in the red curry paste, cooking it for about 1 minute. This step really wakes up the flavors and deepens the richness of the sauce.
- Pour in the coconut milk along with fish sauce, lime juice, and brown sugar. Let it simmer gently for 5 minutes until it slightly thickens. This is when I taste and adjust seasoning—if it’s too spicy, a bit more sugar can soothe the heat, or more lime juice can brighten it up.
- Place the cod fillets in a baking dish and season them lightly with salt and pepper. Spoon the luscious coconut curry sauce over the fish, making sure each piece is nicely coated.
- Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes depending on the thickness of your cod. I learned the hard way with Coconut Curry Baked Cod that overbaking dries out the fish, so keep an eye on it. The cod is done when it’s opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- While your Coconut Curry Baked Cod is baking, I like to set the table or prepare easy sides like steamed jasmine rice or sautéed greens. Multitasking makes dinner feel effortless.
- Once baked, sprinkle chopped cilantro generously over the top for a hit of freshness and serve immediately.
Tip: This Coconut Curry Baked Cod should smell like a cozy blend of tropical coconut and warming spices. If you want to check out some other easy fish dinner tricks, I recommend this Thai-inspired Coconut Cod recipe—it pairs wonderfully with my baked cod recipe approach.
If life ever tosses a curveball while you’re making this seafood curry bake, remember: it’s forgiving and perfect for tweaking, so have fun with it!
How I Love to Serve This Coconut Curry Baked Cod
I absolutely adore serving this Coconut Curry Baked Cod alongside fluffy jasmine rice or even a simple cauliflower rice when looking for a light, healthy baked cod meal. The rice soaks up that incredible coconut curry sauce, making every bite a delight. Sometimes, I pair it with sautéed green beans or a crisp cucumber salad to add a refreshing crunch and balance out the richness.

This dish works magic for weeknight dinners but also shines on special occasions like casual Sunday lunches with friends or festive family gatherings. The vibrant colors and enticing aroma always get compliments—friends often ask for this Coconut Curry Baked Cod recipe because it’s approachable and genuinely delicious.
For a fun presentation, I sometimes serve it in individual ramekins or small bowls, garnished with extra cilantro and a lime wedge on the side. It gives it a bit of restaurant flair without any fuss, which is perfect for lively family meals.
If you happen to have leftovers, don’t toss them! The Coconut Curry Baked Cod reheats beautifully the next day, making it a brilliant leftover lunch. You can even turn it into a quick seafood curry soup by adding some broth and fresh veggies. Sometimes, I add a handful of spinach to the reheated leftovers for added nutrition and flavor.
I’ve also experimented with seasonal twists—like tossing in sweet potatoes before baking for fall comfort, or adding fresh mango chunks in summer for a tropical burst. If you’re curious about pairing this with other flavors, you might like my baked pumpkin seeds recipe as a crunchy snack to accompany it.
Your Coconut Curry Baked Cod Questions Answered
Q1: Can I use other types of fish for this recipe?
Absolutely! While cod is my favorite for Coconut Curry Baked Cod thanks to its firm texture and mild flavor, other flaky white fish like haddock or tilapia work well too. Just adjust the baking time since thinner fillets cook faster.
Q2: How do I prevent the cod from drying out?
Great question! I learned the hard way with Coconut Curry Baked Cod that overbaking is the biggest culprit. Keep an eye on the fish after 15 minutes and test for doneness by checking if it flakes easily. Covering the dish loosely with foil during part of baking can help lock in moisture.
Q3: Can I make the coconut curry sauce ahead of time?
Yes! Making the sauce ahead is a lifesaver on busy nights. You can store it in the fridge for up to two days. When ready to bake, just pour it over the cod and bake as usual. This shortcut makes it a true easy fish dinner.
Q4: Is this recipe spicy?
The heat level depends on the red curry paste you choose. I use a mild to medium paste so even the kids enjoy it, but if you prefer more heat, feel free to add extra or a pinch of chili flakes.
Q5: How do I store leftovers?
Leftover Coconut Curry Baked Cod should be cooled completely and transferred to an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and tastes great reheated gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Q6: What side dishes work best?
Rice is my go-to for soaking up the coconut curry sauce, but steamed veggies or a simple salad also pair beautifully. If you want some hearty sides, check my loaded baked potato soup for inspiration—it’s a crowd-pleaser.
Q7: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Totally! This Coconut Curry Baked Cod is naturally dairy-free thanks to the coconut milk. Just double-check your curry paste ingredients if you’re cooking strictly dairy-free.
If you want more insights and culinary tips on seafood curry bake or coconut curry sauce, I highly recommend checking out this baked Coconut Curry Cod recipe from Simply Whisked and Eat Well 101’s version.
My Final Thoughts on This Coconut Curry Baked Cod
This Coconut Curry Baked Cod recipe is truly a heartwarming favorite in my kitchen. It holds a special place because it brings a comforting yet fresh dinner that my whole family enjoys, especially when I want a healthy baked cod option that doesn’t feel “diet food.” Making it feels like sharing a little bit of tropical sunshine with the people I love.
Coconut Curry Baked Cod Pro Tips:
- Always use fresh cod for the best texture.
- Don’t skip the lime juice—it brightens the coconut curry sauce beautifully.
- Watch your baking time closely to keep the fish tender and juicy.
I’ve tried a few variations with my family over the years: swapping red curry paste for green for a more herbal note, adding cherry tomatoes for a burst of sweetness, or turning it into a one-pan seafood curry bake with shrimp and scallops. My husband prefers it with extra spice, while the kids love it a bit milder with more coconut milk.
If you give this Coconut Curry Baked Cod a try, I hope you’ll make it your own by adding whatever you love most and sharing it happily around your table. Cooking should be a joyful experience, and this recipe truly fits that philosophy—nourishing, approachable, and full of flavor.
For more family-friendly recipes inspired by vibrant flavors, don’t forget to peek at my Thai chicken coconut curry or the crispy and healthy baked pumpkin seeds. Your next easy fish dinner or cozy night in just might start here with this beloved Coconut Curry Baked Cod.
Happy cooking, friend! I can’t wait to hear about your Coconut Curry Baked Cod adventures.
Coconut Curry Baked Cod
This Coconut Curry Baked Cod is a flavorful and healthy dish featuring tender cod fillets baked in a creamy coconut curry sauce, perfect for a quick and delicious dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
- 2 tbsp red curry paste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Cooked jasmine rice, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, garlic, and grated ginger; sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the red curry paste and turmeric powder; cook for 1 minute.
- Add coconut milk and lime juice; stir well and let simmer for 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Place cod fillets in a baking dish and season with salt and pepper.
- Pour the coconut curry sauce over the cod fillets, ensuring they are well coated.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately over cooked jasmine rice.
Notes
For an extra kick, add sliced fresh chili or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the curry sauce before baking.

