The first time I made Coconut Curry Baked Cod, I was chasing a solution to our usual dinner chaos. The kids were tired of the usual chicken or spaghetti choices, and I needed something that felt special but wouldn’t steal hours in the kitchen. I stumbled upon a seafood curry idea and thought, Why not try a Coconut Curry Baked Cod? It sounded comforting and interesting enough to get the family curious—and it delivered.
From the moment the oven started working its magic with that fragrant coconut curry sauce, the kitchen filled with a cozy warmth that felt like a hug after a long day. My kids peeked in, noses twitching, then surprised me by asking for seconds. That’s when Coconut Curry Baked Cod became my secret weapon for busy nights, offering a simple comfort that even picky eaters couldn’t resist.
This baked cod recipe quickly found its way into our weekly rotation and brought a fresh, comforting sea breeze to our dinner table. What I love most is how approachable it is, even when life feels like a whirlwind. Plus, it makes everyone feel a little more cared for without adding stress for me. If you’re a fellow comfort seeker juggling family, work, maybe even homework battles, you’ll appreciate this dish as much as I do. Trust me, this Coconut Curry Baked Cod offers a cozy solution that fits right into your family’s comfort food goals.
Whether you want to impress with a seafood curry that’s both satisfying and simple, or just need an oven baked fish recipe you can trust on hectic days, keep reading. I’m sharing what worked for me and how you can make this Coconut Curry Baked Cod a family favorite too! For even more cozy dishes, check out my take on Thai Chicken Coconut Curry or a fabulous Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe, which also bring warmth without overwhelm.
INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

- 1.5 pounds fresh cod fillets (skinless, boneless) – easy to find at most grocery stores
- 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk – gives the coconut curry sauce its creamy, comforting texture
- 2 tablespoons red curry paste – adds that gentle spice without overwhelming kids
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped – builds flavor depth in this easiest cod dish
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – because garlic always comforts
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated – warmth in every bite
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce – optional but adds authentic seafood curry notes
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar – balances the spices with a touch of sweetness
- Juice of 1 lime – brightens and freshens the coconut curry sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro or basil for garnish – my family loves this pop of green
- Olive oil or coconut oil for sautéing
No worries if you don’t have red curry paste on hand; I often swap in a tablespoon of mild curry powder plus a pinch of smoked paprika for extra comfort. You’ll find all these ingredients at your usual grocery store, and they won’t blow your budget. This Coconut Curry Baked Cod proves delicious doesn’t have to come with a long shopping list or complicated steps.
For a shortcut, pre-minced garlic or grated ginger in jars saves valuable minutes without sacrificing flavor. I like to buy cod when it’s on sale and freeze it so I’m always ready for this comforting oven baked fish. My family actually gets extra comfort when I pile on fresh herbs at the end—makes it feel a bit fancy without any fuss.
Let’s Make it Happen!
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Get your kitchen ready for some Coconut Curry Baked Cod magic. I find this is the perfect temp to cook the cod through without drying it out.
- Prepare the coconut curry sauce. In a skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive or coconut oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Then toss in garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant. This step fills the kitchen with that cozy seafood curry smell.
- Stir in the red curry paste and cook for 1-2 minutes. This is my personal favorite part—watching the paste bloom with all those spices awakening in the pan.
- Pour in the coconut milk, fish sauce, and add brown sugar. Stir well and let it simmer for 5 minutes. Your coconut curry sauce will start to thicken slightly, perfect for coating the cod.
- While the sauce simmers, season your cod fillets with salt and pepper. Place them in a baking dish in one even layer.
- Pour the sauce evenly over the cod, making sure every piece gets bathed in that fragrant coconut curry sauce. If your family loves it saucy, add a splash more coconut milk before baking.
- Bake uncovered for 15-18 minutes, depending on your fillets’ thickness. You’ll know it’s done when the cod flakes easily with a fork and smells amazing. If your Coconut Curry Baked Cod looks like it’s bubbling slightly, that means it’s soaking in all those cozy flavors.
- While baking, this is the perfect time to prep a quick side or pack lunches for tomorrow. Multitasking helps so much on busy nights.
- When done, sprinkle fresh cilantro or basil for a nice color pop and fresh taste.
Pro tip: I used to worry about overcooking cod, but keeping your eye on the clock and watching for the flakiness makes this Coconut Curry Baked Cod foolproof. If your kids love saucy dishes, this coconut curry sauce wins every time!
If you want another take on baked cod, check how different ingredients bring cozy vibes in this simple Thai-Inspired Coconut Cod from Dishing Out Health or this bright Coconut Curry Baked Cod Recipe from Eat Well 101.
How We Love to Eat This!

This Coconut Curry Baked Cod hits our family like a warm hug, especially on chilly weeknights. The kids beg for it when paired with fluffy jasmine rice or buttery steamed potatoes—two easy sides that soak up the coconut curry sauce beautifully.
For a kid-friendly boost, I often serve steamed veggies on the side, like green beans or snap peas, because they add color and crunch without stealing the spotlight. The fish stays the star!
This dish also shines at casual family dinners and even small weekend get-togethers. Whenever friends visit, this Coconut Curry Baked Cod gets rave reviews for feeling fancy but being so simple. Leftovers usually disappear fast, but if you’re lucky, they make a great lunch reheated with a squeeze of lime.
Seasonally, I love adding diced mango or pineapple to the coconut curry sauce in the summer for a sweeter tropical touch. In cooler months, a handful of chopped spinach or kale sneaked into the sauce gives extra comfort and nutrition without fuss.
If your crew enjoys this, they’ll surely want to try my Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe or the silky Thai Chicken Coconut Curry for more comfort food variety. Both dishes are crowd-pleasers that I lean on when life gets hectic.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Q: Is Coconut Curry Baked Cod filling enough for my growing kids?
A: Absolutely. Cod is a lean protein that pairs perfectly with rice or potatoes for a balanced, satisfying meal. The coconut curry sauce adds healthy fats and flavor that keep little tummies happy. My kids often ask for seconds!
Q: What if my picky eater won’t try this dish?
A: Start by serving the sauce on the side or using less curry paste until they get used to the flavors. I’ve found adding a mild splash of coconut milk and some sugar tones down the spice and wins over the most hesitant palates.
Q: Can I meal prep Coconut Curry Baked Cod for busy weeks?
A: Yes! Bake the cod and sauce in advance, then store in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of water or coconut milk to freshen the sauce. It reheats well and keeps offering comfort.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers of this baked cod recipe?
A: Definitely. Freeze portions of the cooked cod and sauce separately for best texture. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. This Coconut Curry Baked Cod is a lifesaver for quick meals.
Q: Are there substitutions for the curry paste?
A: Yes! You can use mild curry powder with a dash of smoked paprika for a coconut curry sauce that’s still flavorful but gentler for little ones.
Q: What sides work best?
A: Jasmine or basmati rice, steamed veggies, or even crusty bread to soak up the sauce. If your family loves seafood curry, try pairing with simple sautéed greens.
Q: How do I know when the cod is cooked perfectly?
A: Cook until the fish flakes with a fork and looks opaque. Overcooked fish gets dry, so watch the time and take note of how your oven heats.
If you want more ideas for simple comfort food, the Thai-Inspired Coconut Cod on Dishing Out Health or Simply Whisked’s 5-Ingredient Baked Coconut Curry Cod recipe are great inspirations and quick reads.
Final Thoughts:
This Coconut Curry Baked Cod fits right into my family’s comfort food goals—simple ingredients, cozy flavors, and minimal fuss. My Coconut Curry Baked Cod Comfort Hacks include bolding the coconut milk’s creaminess, sneaking fresh herbs on top, and always pairing with a kid-friendly side to keep everyone smiling.
We’ve tried family-tested variations like swapping white fish for salmon, adding sweet potatoes right into the sauce, or using a mild curry powder blend for gentler spice levels. My youngest prefers the sweeter sauce mix-ups, while my husband enjoys it spicier with a kick of extra curry paste.
If you’re craving a dinnertime win that offers warmth and ease in your busy life, I encourage you to make this Coconut Curry Baked Cod your own way. Tweak the flavors, sides, and spice until it feels like comfort in every bite.
You’re doing amazing juggling the beautiful chaos of family life. Keep reaching for dishes like this Coconut Curry Baked Cod that nourish and delight your crew without stress. Here’s to many cozy meals ahead, fellow comfort seekers! For other comforting recipes to try alongside, visit my easy Baked Oats Recipe or the Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe for more family favorites that bring joy and simplicity.
Give this Coconut Curry Baked Cod a shot and watch it become one of your reliable go-to dinners that keeps everyone coming back to the table happy and well-fed.
Coconut Curry Baked Cod
This Coconut Curry Baked Cod features tender cod fillets baked in a fragrant coconut curry sauce, delivering a flavorful and healthy meal perfect for dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 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 tbsp red curry paste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and ginger; sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in red curry paste and cook for another minute.
- Add coconut milk and lime juice to the skillet; stir well and bring to a simmer.
- Season the cod fillets with salt and pepper.
- Place the cod fillets in a baking dish and pour the coconut curry sauce over them.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves before serving.
Notes
Serve with steamed jasmine rice or quinoa and a side of sautéed greens for a complete meal.

