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Coconut Lime Poached Cod Recipe

Coconut Lime Poached Cod Recipe

Tender cod simmers in a bright coconut-lime broth with ginger and garlic. A light, weeknight-ready dinner bursting with flavor.
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients
 

Main Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 0.5 cup thinly sliced shallots
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • 2 tsp grated fresh ginger
  • 1 cup thinly sliced red bell pepper optional for color and sweetness
  • 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes adjust to taste
  • 14 fl oz full-fat coconut milk shake can well
  • 0.5 cup low-sodium chicken broth or seafood stock
  • 3 tbsp fresh lime juice plus more to taste
  • 1 tsp finely grated lime zest
  • 1 tbsp fish sauce
  • 1.5 tsp light brown sugar
  • 0.75 tsp kosher salt divided, plus more to taste
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 1.5 lb skinless cod fillets cut into 4 pieces
  • 0.25 cup chopped fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

Preparation Steps

  • Pat cod dry, then season all over with 1/2 tsp salt and the black pepper.
  • Warm the olive oil in a wide skillet over medium heat.
  • Sauté shallots until translucent, 2–3 minutes. Stir in garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes; cook 30 seconds.
  • Add bell pepper and cook until slightly softened, about 2 minutes.
  • Pour in coconut milk and broth. Stir in lime juice, zest, fish sauce, brown sugar, and remaining salt; bring to a gentle simmer.
  • Nestle cod into the sauce in a single layer. Cover and simmer gently until opaque and flaky, 6–8 minutes.
  • Taste the broth and adjust with more lime or salt if needed.
  • Scatter cilantro over the fish and serve, spooning plenty of sauce over each portion.

Notes

Variation: Add a bruised stalk of lemongrass to the simmering broth and remove before serving, or toss in a handful of baby spinach during the last minute to wilt. Swap cod with halibut or haddock if preferred.
Serving tip: Spoon the sauce over steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice, and finish with extra lime wedges.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container up to 2 days; rewarm gently to avoid overcooking the fish.
This recipe is an original creation inspired by classic Coconut Lime Poached Cod Recipe flavors. All ingredient ratios and instructions are independently developed.