Baked Cod with Pineapple-Cilantro Coconut Salsa
Flaky cod fillets baked with a sweet-tangy pineapple-cilantro salsa and a hint of coconut for a refreshing finish. This caribbean-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes blends pound cod fillets, tablespoon lime juice, tablespoons olive oil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 pound cod fillets
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup, diced pineapple
- 1/4 cup, finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup, chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup coconut milk
- 1, zested lime
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Pat cod fillets dry and season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon lime juice, then arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Step 2: In a bowl, mix 1 cup diced pineapple, 1/4 cup chopped red onion, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 1/4 cup coconut milk, and zest of 1 lime. Stir to combine.
- Step 3: Spoon pineapple salsa evenly over each cod fillet.
- Step 4: Bake for 15-18 minutes until cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Step 5: Serve immediately with extra salsa spooned over the top.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Baked Cod with Pineapple-Cilantro Coconut Salsa take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Baked Cod with Pineapple-Cilantro Coconut Salsa?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Cod with Pineapple-Cilantro Coconut Salsa?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Baked Cod with Pineapple-Cilantro Coconut Salsa for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Baked Cod with Pineapple-Cilantro Coconut Salsa?
Caribbean seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Love how the Caribbean come through in every bite.
- ★★★★★
Doubled the garlic (as one does) and it was amazing.
- ★★★★★
Best recipe I've made this month.