Name: Coconut Cod with Fennel and Spinach
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 bulb fennel (sliced into quarters, core removed, and cut into half-moon pieces); 1 13.5 oz can coconut milk (full-fat); 1 tbsp tamari (sub soy sauce); 1 lime (juiced); 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (more to taste); 3 cups spinach; 2 to 4 thin cod fillets (~0.50-0.75 pound or 8-12 ounces)

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This easy dinner recipe features fresh vegetables and buttery cod poached in coconut milk. Using just a few pantry staples, you can have Coconut Cod with Fennel and Spinach on the table in 20 minutes.

This recipe is featured in my Winter Week 2 Meal Plan and the monthly winter vegetable meal plan. For more info, visit the meal plans page.

coconut poached cod with fennel and spinach on a black plate on a napkin

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One of my favorite lessons in the culinary class I took at Drexel for my nutrition degree focused on poaching fish. I remember thinking how easy it was, and how everyone would likely eat more fish if they knew this simple method!

So, it’s about time I taught you guys, right?! All you need is a liquid (preferably a flavorful one) and fish fillets. But since it is a Veg World (after all), I also added veggies to this coconut cod recipe. Fennel and spinach to be exact.

As the recipe name suggests, I poached the fish in coconut milk. All I can say about that is…YUM. The poaching liquid really reminds me of the one I used in my Coconut Braised Vegan Collard Greens.

It has a touch of tamari, lime juice, and crushed red pepper – the makings for a flavorful meal! Plus, of course, it has the wonderful sweet, anise taste of added fennel. Let’s get to it.

cod, fennel, and spinach poached in coconut milk in a black skillet on a counter

How to Make Coconut Cod with Fennel and Spinach

Wash your bulb of fennel. Slice into quarters and remove the core with your fingers.
Slice each quarter into half-moon pieces.
Get the poaching liquid ready by pouring a can of full-fat coconut milk into a large skillet. Add the other ingredients.
Place the fennel into the skillet and cook for ~5 minutes over medium heat.
Stir in the spinach.
Place the cod fillets on top of the skillet, and use your spoon to push the veggies to the side so you can submerge the cod. Cook for ~7-9 minutes.

a fennel bulb sliced into 4 pieces on a bamboo cutting board

fennel sliced into half-moons on a bamboo cutting board with a knife on top

Expert Tips and FAQ

Make sure the cod fillets are fully (or almost fully) covered in the liquid. This is key to even and quick cooking.
You want the fennel to be slightly tender before adding the spinach and cod.
Feel free to adjust seasonings for this coconut cod as desired. Add salt and pepper or more crushed red pepper.
If you’re using frozen cod, defrost it in a bowl of cold water before cooking.
This is best when eaten right away. You can keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet for a few minutes or in the microwave for 2-3 minutes on high.

How long do you poach cod fillets?

Cod is especially easy to poach, and takes only 7-9 minutes to cook when submerged in liquid. You can also use halibut or walleye if you cannot find cod for this recipe.

coconut cod with fennel and spinach on a black plate on a white counter

More Easy Fish Recipes

If you like this coconut cod, check out these other flavorful dinners featuring seafood:

I’d love to hear how you like this recipe! Rate/review using the stars on the recipe card or in the comments, and follow the Veg World on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. Looking for something totally different? Browse the recipe library.