I remember the exact moment I first discovered the magic of Coconut Curry Baked Cod. It was one of those evenings where my usual dinner mojo had completely vanished, and I was staring at the fridge with zero inspiration. A quick Google search led me to a recipe that promised spicy baked fish bathed in a creamy coconut curry sauce—and I thought, “This might just be the flavorful win I need!” From that night on, Coconut Curry Baked Cod found a permanent spot in my kitchen rhythm.
This baked cod recipe balances that rich coconut curry sauce perfectly with tender, flaky fish. It’s become my go-to healthy fish dinner—not just because it’s nourishing, but because the flavors feel so comforting and satisfying. Plus, it’s crazy easy to pull together, which is a huge plus on those busy weeknights when you want something tasty but fuss-free.
What really makes this Coconut Curry Baked Cod stand out for me is the way the spices and creaminess come together. It’s got just the right spicy baked fish kick without being overwhelming. Every time I serve it, my friends and family can’t stop raving. Honestly, it feels like such a treat to share something this delicious and straightforward.
If you’re on the hunt for easy seafood recipes that pack big flavor and feel fresh, you seriously should give this Coconut Curry Baked Cod a try. Plus, if you’re into foods like my Coconut Almond Chocolate Pudding or my Crockpot Potato Pea Curry, you’ll find this dish fits right into your everyday foodie life. Ready to dive in with me? Let’s go!
What You’ll Need:

This Coconut Curry Baked Cod keeps the ingredient list totally approachable—because good food shouldn’t be complicated.
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces each; fresh or thawed frozen cod works great!)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil for a neutral flavor)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, freshly grated (adds that zesty zing!)
- 1 tablespoon curry powder (you can find this at any regular grocery store)
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk (full-fat for creamier sauce, but light works too)
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder (optional, but adds warmth and color)
- 1-2 teaspoons chili flakes (adjust based on your spice love)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (totally optional but freshens things up)
- Juice of half a lime (optional but my secret upgrade here!)
Out of coconut milk? No problem! You can swap in coconut cream or even a mix of cream and water for a lighter spin on this Coconut Curry Baked Cod. Fresh cod not available? Tilapia, haddock, or even salmon can work well as an easy seafood recipe alternative.
This Coconut Curry Baked Cod is kind to your wallet because cod often comes at a mid-range price point, and the few pantry spices needed are versatile for tons of other dishes.
Prep tip: Get your garlic and ginger minced ahead of time to save a step. If you have leftover sauce, it keeps beautifully in the fridge for 2-3 days—perfect for reimagining into a soup or a curry bowl.
Personally, I always add a pinch of extra chili flakes to this Coconut Curry Baked Cod to give it a little cheeky heat kick. It’s such a fun, cozy dinner to pull together when you crave flavor without fuss.
Let’s Cook This Together:
Here’s the thing with Coconut Curry Baked Cod—it’s like cooking side-by-side with a friend. Step one: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
As the oven warms, heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent. That’s when my kitchen starts smelling incredible—onions turning golden are the best kitchen nugget for flavor.
Next, stir in minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for another minute until fragrant; your nostrils will thank you.
Add in curry powder, turmeric, and chili flakes here. This is the secret little upgrade that takes your Coconut Curry Baked Cod’s flavor from good to wow—toast the spices just a bit to release their aroma. Then, pour in the coconut milk, giving it a good stir to combine everything into a silky coconut curry sauce.
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it thicken slightly—about 5 minutes. While that’s happening, get your cod fillets ready by patting them dry and seasoning lightly with salt and pepper.
Transfer the coconut curry sauce to a baking dish, nestle the cod fillets gently into the sauce, and spoon some curry sauce over each piece.
Pop the whole thing in the oven for 15-20 minutes. The timing depends on how thick your fillets are, but you’ll know it’s done when the fish flakes easily with a fork but still feels juicy.
Pro tip: While your Coconut Curry Baked Cod is doing its thing, pour yourself something refreshing and breathe in that coconut curry sauce aroma wafting through your kitchen. It’s the easiest multitasking ever.
If your Coconut Curry Baked Cod ends up looking a little saucy on the sides or the sauce bubbles over in the oven, don’t stress—it just means it’s super cozy and flavorful. If you want a shortcut, you can skip the stovetop step and mix the sauce ingredients straight in your baking dish before adding the cod, but I think the flavors deepen when you cook it a bit first.
One kitchen win for me was learning to be patient and resist poking the fish too early—it lets the coconut curry sauce soak in without drying out the cod.
This Coconut Curry Baked Cod comes together in about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it my favorite easy seafood recipe for weeknights that still feel special.
How to Serve & Savor It:

This Coconut Curry Baked Cod truly shines when you serve it with fluffy jasmine rice or a fragrant turmeric rice. The rice serves as the perfect sponge for soaking up all that luscious coconut curry sauce, and together they’re downright dreamy.
I also love pairing it with a simple side of steamed greens like bok choy or kale—it adds a fresh, vibrant touch that balances the richness of the dish.
If you’re hosting friends, this Coconut Curry Baked Cod is a definite crowd-pleaser. It’s one of those dishes that’s impressive without the stress, making it perfect for lazy weekends or casual dinner parties.
For a fun leftover makeover, shred the leftover cod and toss it with warmed naan and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, turning it into a quick curry fish taco that always gets raves.
Adding a seasonal twist? Try this Coconut Curry Baked Cod alongside lightly roasted winter squash or coconut-spiced sweet potatoes when the weather turns chilly.
Want some everyday foodie inspiration that complements this meal? You might enjoy my Crockpot Potato Pea Curry as a veggie sidekick or a cozy dessert like Caramelized Baked Banana Slices.
Your Questions, Answered:
Can I prep parts of this Coconut Curry Baked Cod ahead?
Absolutely! You can make the coconut curry sauce up to a day in advance and keep it chilled. When you’re ready, heat it gently, then add the cod and bake. Prepping the sauce ahead really speeds things up.What’s a good swap for cod if I can’t find it?
Tilapia or haddock work well and give you a similar firm texture. For a richer option, salmon is a fun twist, but bake time might be shorter since salmon cooks faster.How spicy is this Coconut Curry Baked Cod? Can I adjust?
It’s got a gentle spiciness with room for you to dial it up. I usually add 1-2 teaspoons of chili flakes, but you can skip them entirely or add fresh chopped chili for an extra kick.Can I make this recipe for just two people?
For sure! Just halve the ingredients and bake in a smaller dish. Keep an eye on the cooking time since smaller fillets might cook faster.Is this Coconut Curry Baked Cod freezer-friendly?
I wouldn’t freeze the cooked dish—it’s best fresh—but you can freeze raw cod fillets and coconut curry sauce separately before baking.Can I make this dairy-free?
This recipe is naturally dairy-free because of the coconut milk, making it a healthy fish dinner option for folks avoiding dairy.Do you recommend any garnishes?
Fresh cilantro really brightens the dish, and a squeeze of lime juice right before serving adds fabulous zing.If you want to see a stunning seafood twist, check out Chef Zena Kamgaing’s take on coconut sambal baked fish here on Instagram. It’s a spicy baked fish lover’s dream!
Final Foodie Thoughts:
This Coconut Curry Baked Cod holds a special place in my foodie heart because it’s the kind of dish I can come home to after a long day and instantly feel nourished and happy. It’s got that cozy, rich coconut curry sauce that brings me so much joy, while the baked cod is light and flaky—a match made in dinner heaven.
My Top Coconut Curry Baked Cod Tips:
- Always toast your spices gently in the pan before adding coconut milk for extra depth.
- Don’t skip patting the cod dry—this helps the sauce cling perfectly.
- Be patient with the baking time; overcooking dries out the fish.
I’ve played around with some tasty variations too: swapping coconut milk for coconut cream for a decadently rich sauce, adding fresh diced tomatoes for a vibrant twist, and sometimes stirring in spinach for a green boost.
The classic version with coconut milk and curry powder is the one I find folks requesting the most—something about that comforting coconut curry sauce just hits the spot every time.
I encourage you to make this Coconut Curry Baked Cod your own, swapping in spices or sides that fit your vibe. I hope you love how easy it is, the joy of those curry aromas filling your kitchen, and especially how satisfying it feels when the flavors come together so effortlessly.
If you’re into this dish, you’ll probably enjoy the Thai-inspired coconut cod recipe over at Thai-Inspired Coconut Cod – Dishing Out Health for a slightly different spin. Or for more cozy, curry love, check out this cozy catfish curry with steamed rice and bok choy.
Ready for your kitchen win? I’m already excited for you to try this Coconut Curry Baked Cod—it really is easy seafood recipes done right and will keep you reaching for it again and again. Happy cooking, friends!
Coconut Curry Baked Cod
Delight in the exotic flavors of tender cod baked in a creamy coconut curry sauce, perfect for a flavorful and healthy dinner option.
- 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 (14 oz) coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons red curry paste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked jasmine rice or quinoa (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in red curry paste and cook for 1 minute to release the flavors.
- Pour in the coconut milk, stirring to combine, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Remove from heat and stir in lime juice, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Place cod fillets in a baking dish and pour the coconut curry sauce evenly over them.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with jasmine rice or quinoa.
Notes
For an extra layer of flavor, add sliced red bell peppers or snap peas to the curry sauce before baking. Serve with a wedge of lime for added zest.

