
This coconut curry cod recipe combines flaky white fish with a rich, aromatic sauce. The mild cod absorbs the warm curry spices and coconut milk while maintaining its delicate texture. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of seafood and fragrant curry sauce.
The key to this dish is allowing the spices to develop their flavors in oil before adding the coconut milk. This creates a more complex and aromatic sauce that enhances the mild fish perfectly.
Key Ingredients
- Cod Fillets: Fresh, thick pieces with clear appearance
- Coconut Milk: Full-fat for best sauce texture
- Curry Powder: Fresh, fragrant blend without lumps
- Turmeric: Bright yellow powder for color and flavor
- Ginger Root: Fresh, firm pieces
- Garlic: Fresh cloves
- Lime: Fresh fruit for brightness
- Herbs: Fresh cilantro or parsley
Preparation Method
- Make the Sauce:
- Heat oil gently, add garlic and spices to bloom their flavors. Stir constantly to prevent burning. The spices should become fragrant but not dark.
- Add Coconut Milk:
- Pour in slowly while whisking. Keep at gentle simmer to prevent separation. Balance flavors with lime and honey.
- Prepare Fish:
- Pat cod dry thoroughly. Season well with salt and pepper. Arrange in baking dish with space between pieces.
- Baking:
- Pour hot sauce around fish in preheated oven. Cook until just flaking but still moist.

Fresh, high-quality cod makes a noticeable difference in this dish. The clean taste of the fish allows the curry sauce to shine while maintaining its own delicate flavor.
Serving Instructions
Serve the cod over coconut-infused jasmine rice. Garnish with fresh herbs and lime wedges. Offer warm naan bread alongside. Add pickled vegetables for contrast.
Recipe Variations
Try using halibut or sea bass instead of cod. Add colorful vegetables to the baking dish. Increase spice with curry paste or chilies. Include Thai aromatics like lemongrass.
Storage Guide
Keep fish and sauce separate for storage. Warm fish gently when reheating. Freeze extra sauce in portions. Add fresh coconut milk when reheating full dish.

This recipe showcases how simple ingredients create an elegant dish when properly prepared. The balance of delicate cod and aromatic curry sauce delivers restaurant-quality results at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I cook with frozen cod?
- Absolutely, but make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry beforehand. This’ll help it bake evenly and keep the sauce from getting too watery.
- → What sides work well with this?
- Pair it with steamed rice, naan bread, roasted veggies, or even cauliflower rice to really soak up the sauce’s flavors!
- → Can I prep this ahead of time?
- Sure! Make the curry sauce in advance and store it separately. When you’re ready to bake, just warm the sauce up and add it to the fish.
- → What if I don’t have all the spices?
- No worries—just use a store-bought curry paste or spice blend as a quick and easy swap for individual ingredients.
- → How do I know when the fish is perfectly done?
- Your cod is ready when it looks opaque all the way through and flakes apart easily with a fork. Usually, it takes around 20-25 minutes.