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Flavorful Thai-style cod in broth

Featured in Simple seafood recipes you'll love.

This dish beautifully blends the tender texture of cod with the bold tastes of Thai cuisine. The fish is first seared to lock in flavor, then baked delicately in a fragrant coconut milk broth. The broth includes lemongrass, green curry paste, and ginger for a rich depth of flavor. Mushrooms add a nice bite, while a final touch of lime juice and fish sauce brings a balanced mix of salty, tangy, and slightly sweet notes typical of Thai food. Served over fluffy basmati rice with fresh cilantro, this dish is both elegant and comforting.
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Maria from tastyhush
Updated on Fri, 28 Feb 2025 21:59:11 GMT
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COD THAI BROTH | Tastyhush.com

The fragrant combination of lemongrass and ginger fills the kitchen as the Thai coconut broth simmers gently. This dish perfectly balances delicate cod with rich Asian flavors, creating a taste experience reminiscent of Bangkok's vibrant markets.

I first discovered this dish during a trip to Thailand, where a local chef taught me that success lies in balancing flavors while cooking the fish with care.

Essential Ingredients Guide

  • Cod - Select thick fillets from the loin, with pearly white flesh that's firm and translucent. Fresh cod should be odorless
  • Lemongrass - Choose firm, fragrant stalks. Remove outer layers and use tender core. Bruise before using to release oils
  • Ginger - Pick firm roots with smooth, shiny skin. Young ginger offers better flavor and less fiber
  • Coconut Milk - Use premium brands with at least 60% coconut extract. Shake well before opening

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Broth Preparation
  • Bruise lemongrass stalks to release essential oils
  • Finely slice white parts, reserve stalks for infusing
  • Peel ginger using spoon edge
  • Mince or grate ginger finely
  • Cook aromatics slowly to extract flavors
2. Perfect Broth
  • Sweat shallots until translucent
  • Add garlic last to prevent burning
  • Blend curry paste with oil gradually
  • Stream in coconut milk slowly
  • Reduce gently to develop flavors
3. Cooking the Cod
  • Bring fish to room temperature
  • Pat fillets completely dry
  • Quick sear for initial color
  • Watch oven time carefully - fish is done when it flakes easily
4. Final Assembly
  • Warm serving bowls
  • Center rice in mounds
  • Place fish carefully
  • Pour broth in circular motion
  • Garnish with fresh herbs

Experience has taught me that patience makes this dish exceptional. The revelation was discovering how the broth's flavors deepen after a brief rest.

Mastering Thai Broth

- Start with minimal curry paste
- Keep broth consistency light
- Balance all flavor elements
- Maintain subtle lemongrass notes
- Allow flavors to meld before serving

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Cod in Thai coconut broth | Asian-inspired fish dish | Tastyhush.com

Flavor Balance

- Lime adds brightness
- Fish sauce provides umami depth
- Sugar balances subtly
- Fresh herbs complete the dish

Perfect Timing

- Excellent for elegant dining
- Comforting year-round
- Great for entertaining since broth can be made ahead

This dish celebrates Thai flavors while highlighting cod's delicate nature. Each preparation brings back memories of Bangkok's finest kitchens. Seeing guests discover the layered flavors makes the careful broth preparation worthwhile.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make the broth ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the broth a day in advance and just heat it up when you're ready to cook the fish.
→ What’s a good substitute for cod?
You can swap cod with haddock, hake, or any similar firm white fish.
→ How do I know when the cod is cooked?
The cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork and the center turns fully opaque.
→ Can I freeze this dish?
It’s better not to freeze the whole dish, but you can freeze just the broth for later use.
→ How do I adjust the spiciness?
You can change the intensity by adding more or less of the green curry paste to suit your spice tolerance.

Thai cod with coconut broth

Tender cod served in a Thai-style coconut milk broth with basmati rice and fresh herbs.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes
By: Maria

Category: Seafood

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Thai

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ For the fish

01 Fresh cilantro
02 4 cod fillets
03 500g basmati rice
04 6 white button mushrooms
05 Olive oil

→ For the broth

06 25cl coconut milk
07 25cl chicken stock
08 A stalk of lemongrass
09 10g fresh ginger or ground ginger
10 One green lime
11 One clove of garlic
12 One teaspoon green curry paste
13 One shallot

→ For the sauce

14 One teaspoon of fish sauce
15 Juice from a whole lime
16 A spoon of sugar

Instructions

Step 01

Cook the diced shallot and garlic in olive oil. Toss in the lemongrass, mushrooms, ginger, and curry paste. After 5 minutes, add the stock, lime zest, and coconut milk. Let it simmer for 15 minutes.

Step 02

Season the cod with salt and pepper, then lightly brown it in olive oil in a pan. Move it to an oven dish, pour some broth over it, and bake for 3 minutes at 180°C.

Step 03

Mix lime juice, sugar, and fish sauce together. Strain the leftover broth, then combine it with this mixture.

Step 04

Warm up the rice and add some broth over it. Place the fish on top and pour broth around it. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro.

Notes

  1. You can make the broth ahead of time.
  2. Feel free to swap herbs based on your preference.

Tools You'll Need

  • Oven
  • Pan
  • Ovenproof dish
  • Fine strainer

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Fish

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 425
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~