Name: Thai-Inspired Coconut Cod Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1.25 lbs. cod fillets, cut into 4 portions; Kosher salt and black pepper to taste; 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil; 1 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced (about 1 heaping cup); 1/2 cup minced shallots; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 2 Tbsp. minced fresh ginger; 2 Tbsp. Thai red curry paste; 1 (13.5-oz.) can coconut milk; 1 tsp. fish sauce; 2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice (from 1 lime); 1/3 cup finely chopped scallions (green onion); 1/3 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped or torn (substitute basil or Thai basil leaves if desired); Cooked white rice or rice noodles for serving

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 32 reviews

If you are craving a dish that is both comforting and bursting with vibrant flavors, this Thai-Inspired Coconut Cod Recipe is exactly what you need. This delightful skillet meal combines tender, flaky cod bathed in a rich, creamy coconut sauce infused with the warmth of red curry paste, fresh ginger, and garlic. Finished with bright lime juice, scallions, and cilantro, it’s an easy-to-make dinner that feels truly special yet comes together in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests without the fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A wooden round board sits on a white marbled surface, holding a white speckled plate with two large pieces of white fish fillets placed side by side in the upper center. Around the plate are small white bowls and wooden bowls arranged neatly: on the top left is a small white bowl with a brown sauce, next to it are two halves of a lime. Below that is a white bowl with chopped yellow ginger, beside that is a wooden bowl filled with chopped green spring onions and fresh leafy cilantro. On the bottom left is a white bowl containing smooth white cream. To the right of the cream is a wooden bowl filled with chopped white onions. Continuing clockwise, a wooden bowl holds bright red sliced bell peppers next to a small dark bowl with chopped garlic and a small white bowl with thick red paste. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Thai-Inspired Coconut Cod Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays its part, from the freshness of the fish to the aromatic kick of ginger and curry paste and the creaminess of coconut milk. These essentials ensure a balanced dish that’s rich in flavor and texture.

1.25 lbs. cod fillets: Choose firm, fresh cod for the best flaky texture and mild flavor.
Kosher salt and black pepper: To season and bring out the natural taste of the fish.
2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil: For sautéing the aromatics smoothly without overpowering flavors.
1 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced: Adds vibrant color and a subtle sweetness to the dish.
1/2 cup minced shallots: Offers a delicate, slightly sweet onion flavor that blends beautifully.
3 garlic cloves, minced: Lends a fragrant punch that’s essential in Thai cooking.
2 Tbsp. minced fresh ginger: Brings warmth and a fresh zing that complements the creamy sauce.
2 Tbsp. Thai red curry paste: The heart of the dish, it provides complexity and that signature red curry heat.
1 (13.5-oz.) can coconut milk: Creates the luscious, creamy base that balances the spice.
1 tsp. fish sauce: Adds a salty umami depth typical of authentic Thai cuisine.
2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice: Brightens the dish with a refreshing citrus tang.
1/3 cup finely chopped scallions: For a fresh, crisp garnish.
1/3 cup fresh cilantro: Adds herbal brightness and authenticity; basil or Thai basil works well as alternatives.
Cooked white rice or rice noodles: Perfect to soak up the delectable sauce and make the meal complete.

How to Make Thai-Inspired Coconut Cod Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Cod

Start by patting your cod fillets dry with a paper towel to ensure the seasoning sticks well. Generously season both sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. This simple step enhances the natural flavor of the cod and sets a savory foundation for the dish.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat the extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the thinly sliced red bell pepper and minced shallots to the pan. Cook them gently for about 4 to 5 minutes until they soften, releasing a lovely sweetness that will meld with the other layers of flavor in your dish.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

Stir in the minced garlic, fresh ginger, and spicy Thai red curry paste with the softened vegetables. Let them cook together for around 2 minutes, allowing the curry paste to become aromatic and the garlic and ginger to release their essential oils. A pinch of salt here helps to highlight these wonderful flavors.

Step 4: Create the Coconut Sauce and Simmer

Pour in the creamy coconut milk and add a splash of fish sauce for that unmistakable savory tang. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Nestle the seasoned cod fillets into the skillet carefully, cover with a lid, and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let everything simmer softly for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cod flakes easily with a fork, soaking up the fragrant coconut curry sauce.

Step 5: Finish with Fresh Lime and Herbs

Turn off the heat and squeeze fresh lime juice over the skillet. The brightness of the lime juice cuts through the richness of the coconut milk, providing balance and freshness. Sprinkle finely chopped scallions and cilantro on top for a final fragrant, colorful touch that makes this dish irresistible.

How to Serve Thai-Inspired Coconut Cod Recipe

A bowl with a base layer of white cooked rice surrounded by thin red pepper strips and bits of green onion. On top of the rice sits a piece of cooked fish covered in a light orange sauce with small pieces of onion. The dish is finished with fresh green cilantro leaves scattered over the fish. The bowl is white, set on a white marbled surface next to a glass of a light yellow drink with bubbles and halved green limes. A striped cloth is partly visible under the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh scallions and cilantro are classic garnishes that add a pop of color and fresh herbal notes. If you prefer, Thai basil or regular basil leaves can also be torn and sprinkled on top, lending a slightly different but equally delicious aroma to the dish.

Side Dishes

This Thai-Inspired Coconut Cod Recipe shines when served over steaming white rice or rice noodles. The starch perfectly absorbs the luscious coconut curry sauce, making every bite an explosion of flavor. For a vegetable side, lightly steamed greens like bok choy or snap peas complement the rich sauce beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elegant dinner, serve the curry cod in shallow bowls with a generous ladle of sauce, topped with fresh herbs and thin lime wedges on the side. You can also offer small dishes of chopped peanuts or chili flakes for guests to customize their heat level, adding texture and crunch to the meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers from this Thai-Inspired Coconut Cod Recipe should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for a tasty second-day meal, but it’s best enjoyed within 2 days for optimal freshness and texture.

Freezing

While freezing cooked seafood is possible, it’s not recommended for this dish because the delicate cod can become watery and mushy when thawed. Instead, freeze the coconut curry sauce separately if you want to prep in advance. Reheat gently before adding freshly cooked fish.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the coconut milk from separating. Avoid microwaving directly, which risks overcooking the fish and ruining its tender texture. Adding a splash of water or coconut milk when reheating can restore the sauce’s creamy consistency.

FAQs

Can I use other types of fish for this recipe?

Absolutely! While cod is ideal for its firmness and mild taste, you can substitute with halibut, grouper, or even tilapia. Just make sure the fillets are firm enough to hold up during cooking without falling apart.

Is Thai red curry paste very spicy?

Thai red curry paste does have a moderate heat level, but it varies by brand. If you prefer milder dishes, use less paste or look for a milder version. You can always adjust the spice by adding fresh chili later if desired.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

To make this Thai-Inspired Coconut Cod Recipe vegetarian or vegan, simply omit the fish and fish sauce. Substitute with firm tofu or mushrooms and use soy sauce or tamari in place of fish sauce for that umami boost.

What if I don’t have fresh lime? Can I use bottled lime juice?

Fresh lime juice is best for that vibrant freshness, but bottled lime juice can work in a pinch. Just use it sparingly and taste as you go, since bottled versions can be more concentrated or have preservatives.

How do I know when the cod is perfectly cooked?

The cod is done when it easily flakes with a fork and has an opaque, white appearance throughout. Overcooking can make it tough, so keep an eye on the timing and the texture during simmering.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about how this Thai-Inspired Coconut Cod Recipe combines simplicity with layers of flavor so effortlessly. It’s one of those dishes that feels luxurious yet is incredibly approachable for any home cook. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try making it soon – it might just become your go-to weeknight favorite or a dish you share with loved ones to impress and delight.

Thai-Inspired Coconut Cod Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need