Looking to shake up your weekly meal prep with something bold, vibrant, and downright delicious? Let me introduce you to this Thai-Inspired Coconut Cod—a dish that’s bursting with rich, creamy flavors and fresh ingredients that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance. Whether you’re juggling work, family, or just craving something new, this recipe is here to deliver.
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Calories: 497kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 34g | Saturated Fat: 23g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 73mg | Sodium: 1055mg | Potassium: 1248mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 2851IU | Vitamin C: 125mg | Calcium: 112mg | Iron: 6mg
Reasons Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Your Meal Prep:
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weekdays when time is tight but you still crave something wholesome.
- One-Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes to wash means less time cleaning and more time enjoying your flavorful creation.
- Meal Prep Friendly: The flavors deepen beautifully as it sits, making your leftovers taste even better the next day.
- Nutrient-Packed: Cod is lean and protein-rich, while the veggies add fiber and antioxidants. A well-balanced, guilt-free meal!
- Customizable: Spice lover? Add extra curry paste. Veggie fan? Toss in snap peas or carrots. Make it your own!
- Exotic Yet Accessible: It brings Thai-inspired flavors to your kitchen with pantry-friendly ingredients.
- Family-Approved: Mild, creamy, and subtly spiced, it’s a dish the whole family can enjoy—even picky eaters!
Here’s What You Need
- Cod fillets: Mild and flaky, cod absorbs the rich, aromatic flavors of the curry and coconut milk, making it the perfect protein base.
- Red onions (diced): Adds a sweet, slightly sharp flavor that balances the creaminess of the coconut milk.
- Green onions (chopped): Offers a fresh, slightly peppery bite that brightens the dish.
- Garlic cloves (minced): Infuses the dish with a bold, savory depth that complements the curry paste.
- Fresh Ginger (minced): Adds a warm, zesty kick that enhances the Thai-inspired flavors.
- Yellow bell pepper (sliced): Sweet and crunchy, it provides a pop of color and texture against the tender cod.
- Fresh basil leaves: Introduces a fragrant, herbal note that pairs beautifully with the creamy coconut base.
- Thai red curry paste: The heart of the dish, bringing a spicy, aromatic depth with flavors of lemongrass, chili, and spices.
- 1 cup coconut milk: Creates a rich, creamy sauce that mellows the heat of the curry paste and adds luscious texture.
- Vegetable broth (or water if needed to thin out the broth): Lightens the sauce slightly, ensuring the perfect consistency without diluting flavor.
- Lime juice: Adds a bright, tangy finish that cuts through the richness, enhancing all the flavors.
- Fish sauce (adjust to taste): Provides umami depth and a subtle salty kick that ties everything together.
How to Meal Prep Thai Red Curry Cod
- Heat the olive oil: Pour 1 tablespoon of olive oil into a large skillet and place it over medium heat. Allow the oil to warm up for about 30 seconds until it shimmers slightly, which means it’s hot enough to cook the aromatics.
- Cook the aromatics: Add the diced red onions, chopped green onions, minced garlic, and minced ginger to the skillet. Stir them frequently with a wooden spoon or spatula and cook for 2-3 minutes until they become soft and fragrant, releasing their natural oils.
- Add the curry paste: Spoon in the Thai red curry paste and stir well to combine it with the cooked aromatics. Let it cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices, which will enhance the flavor of the dish.
- Create the sauce: Slowly pour in the coconut milk while stirring to create a smooth, creamy mixture. Add the fish sauce at this stage to infuse the sauce with umami flavor. Continue stirring until everything is well combined.
- Add the cod and vegetables: Gently place the cod fillets into the coconut curry sauce, making sure they’re partially submerged for even cooking. Scatter the sliced yellow bell peppers and fresh basil leaves around the fish.
- Simmer the dish: Cover the skillet with a lid to trap the heat and moisture. Reduce the heat to medium-low to prevent the sauce from boiling too vigorously. Let the dish simmer gently for 10-12 minutes. Check the cod by gently flaking it with a fork—it should be opaque and easily flake apart when fully cooked.
- Adjust the consistency: If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen it up. Stir gently to combine without breaking the cod fillets.
- Finish with lime: Once the cod is cooked through, turn off the heat. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the dish to brighten the flavors. Garnish with extra basil leaves for a fresh, aromatic finish.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve the Thai-Inspired Coconut Cod over a bed of steamed rice or rice noodles to soak up the delicious sauce. Enjoy your flavorful, nutritious meal!
Pairing Tips for Red Curry Cod
- Serve with grains: Pair with jasmine rice, brown rice, or quinoa for a fiber-rich, satisfying base.
- Add fresh sides: A simple cucumber salad with lime juice and chili flakes offers a refreshing, crunchy contrast.
- Steamed Broccoli or Bok Choy: Simple steamed greens balance the rich flavors with a clean, fresh bite.
- Toppings: Top with chopped peanuts or cashews for an extra crunch.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen cod?
Yes, just make sure to thaw the cod completely and pat it dry before cooking to prevent excess water from diluting the sauce.
Is this dish spicy?
It has a mild kick from the Thai red curry paste, but you can adjust the heat by adding more or less curry paste to suit your taste.
What can I use instead of fish sauce?
You can use salt, soy sauce, or even miso paste for an umami boost.
One Pan Thai Red Curry Cod
Equipment
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
Nutrition