I make these Sweet Chili Lime Cod Strips when I want something light, flavorful, and quick. The cod turns out tender and flaky, seared in rich garlic butter, then coated in a glossy sweet chili lime sauce that brings the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 ½ pounds fresh cod fillets, cut into strips
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
¼ cup sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon lime zest
1 teaspoon honey
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
Lime wedges for serving
Directions
I start by patting the cod strips dry with paper towels, then I season them evenly with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
Next, I heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, I place the cod strips in a single layer and cook them for about 2–3 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. I remove them from the skillet and set them aside.
In the same skillet, I reduce the heat to low and add the remaining butter along with the minced garlic. I sauté it for about a minute, just until fragrant, making sure not to burn the garlic.
Then I stir in the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, lime zest, and honey. I let the sauce simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until it slightly thickens.
I return the cod strips to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top. I cook everything together for another minute so the fish is evenly coated.
Finally, I remove the skillet from the heat, sprinkle fresh cilantro over the top, and serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes 4 servings.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Each serving contains approximately 320 kcal.
Variations
I sometimes swap cod for other firm white fish like haddock or halibut when I want a slightly different texture. If I prefer extra heat, I add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce. For a tropical twist, I mix in a little pineapple juice with the lime juice. When I want a dairy-free option, I replace the butter with additional olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative.
Storage/Reheating
I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, I prefer to warm the cod gently in a skillet over low heat to prevent it from drying out. I sometimes add a small splash of water or extra lime juice to loosen the sauce. I avoid microwaving for too long, as it can make the fish rubbery.
FAQs
How do I know when the cod is fully cooked?
I check that the cod flakes easily with a fork and appears opaque all the way through. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
Can I bake the cod instead of pan-searing it?
Yes, I sometimes bake the seasoned cod at 400°F (200°C) for about 10–12 minutes, then prepare the sauce separately and pour it over before serving.
What sides pair well with this dish?
I like serving it with steamed jasmine rice, coconut rice, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad to complement the bright flavors.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
I can prepare the sauce a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to use, I gently reheat it and pour it over freshly cooked cod.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, I use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce.
Conclusion
I find these Sweet Chili Lime Cod Strips with Garlic Butter to be the perfect combination of simplicity and bold flavor. The tender fish, rich garlic butter, and bright sweet chili lime sauce create a dish that feels both comforting and refreshing. Whenever I need a quick seafood dinner that still impresses, this is the recipe I turn to.
📖 Recipe:
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Sweet Chili Lime Cod Strips with Garlic Butter
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
Tender cod strips seared in garlic butter and coated in a glossy sweet chili lime sauce for a light yet flavorful seafood dish. This quick recipe delivers the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors.
Ingredients
1 ½ pounds fresh cod fillets, cut into strips
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
¼ cup sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon lime zest
1 teaspoon honey
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Pat the cod strips dry with paper towels and season evenly with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, cook the cod strips in a single layer for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Reduce heat to low. Add the remaining butter and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, lime zest, and honey. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Return the cod strips to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top. Cook for 1 additional minute to coat evenly.
- Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh cilantro, and serve immediately with lime wedges.
Notes
Substitute cod with haddock or halibut for a different texture.
For extra heat, add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce.
For a dairy-free option, replace butter with additional olive oil or plant-based butter.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or lime juice to loosen the sauce.
To make gluten-free, use tamari or certified gluten-free soy sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan Seared
- Cuisine: Asian Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
