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Creamy Lemon Garlic Cod

Tender cod simmered in a creamy lemon-garlic coconut sauce with fresh herbs.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 Tbsp avocado oil
  • 1 pound cod cut into 4 fillets
  • 14 oz full-fat coconut milk (can), light or full-fat both work
  • 5 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 lemon zest zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 Tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 cup fresh basil or spinach
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 3 green onion stalks chopped

Instructions

  • Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels and sprinkle both sides with sea salt.
  • Heat 1 Tbsp avocado oil in a large 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Place the cod fillets in the hot skillet and cook 3 minutes until slightly golden, then gently flip and cook 3 more minutes; transfer to a plate (they do not need to be fully cooked).
  • Add a little more avocado oil to the skillet if needed, reduce heat to medium-high, then add the minced garlic and sauté 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Return the seared cod to the skillet, pour in the 14-oz can of coconut milk, then stir in the lemon zest and 1 Tbsp lemon juice.
  • Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce to a gentle boil and simmer 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the cod flakes easily with a fork (cook up to 15–20 minutes for more flavor if desired).
  • Stir in the fresh basil or spinach and the chopped green onions right before serving, then season with additional sea salt and black pepper to taste.
  • Serve immediately with your choice of sides.

Equipment

  • large 12-inch skillet
  • Spatula
  • Measuring spoons
  • measuring cup
  • Zester or grater

Notes

  • Use full-fat coconut milk for a richer sauce.
  • Cook sauce longer for deeper flavor.
  • Gently flip the cod to avoid breaking fillets.
  • Check doneness with a fork or an instant-read thermometer.