Garlic Butter Cod Strips with Sweet Chili Lime Sauce

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🧄🧈 Garlic Butter Cod Strips with Sweet Chili Lime Sauce

Description

Garlic Butter Cod Strips with Sweet Chili Lime Sauce are tender, flaky pieces of cod seared in rich garlic butter, then finished with a glossy sweet-chili and fresh lime sauce. This dish balances savory, sweet, and tangy flavors, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive yet simple seafood entrée. Light, flavorful, and ready in under 25 minutes, it pairs beautifully with rice, vegetables, or salads.

📝 Ingredients

For the Cod Strips

  • 1½ lbs (680 g) fresh cod fillets, cut into strips

  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • ½ tsp paprika

  • ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)

  • ¼ tsp black pepper

  • ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)

  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Sweet Chili Lime Sauce

  • ⅓ cup sweet chili sauce

  • 1½ tbsp fresh lime juice

  • 1 tsp lime zest

  • 1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

  • 1 tsp honey or brown sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cod
    Pat cod strips dry with paper towels. Season evenly with salt, pepper, paprika, and chili flakes.

  2. Cook the Cod
    Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted and foamy, add minced garlic and sauté for 20–30 seconds until fragrant.

  3. Sear the Fish
    Add cod strips in a single layer. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and flaky. Remove cod from skillet and set aside.

  4. Make the Sauce
    In the same skillet (off heat or low heat), whisk sweet chili sauce, lime juice, lime zest, soy sauce, and honey.

  5. Combine & Serve
    Return cod to the skillet, gently toss to coat with sauce. Cook for another 30–60 seconds. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

💡 Recipe Notes

  • Cod is fully cooked when it flakes easily with a fork.

  • Avoid overcooking to keep the fish moist and tender.

  • The sauce thickens slightly as it cools.

🌟 Tips for Best Results

  • Use fresh cod for best flavor, but thawed frozen cod works well if patted dry.

  • Do not overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if necessary.

  • Swap cod with halibut, tilapia, or haddock if desired.

  • Add a splash of coconut milk for a creamier sauce variation.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

  • Steamed jasmine or coconut rice

  • Garlic noodles or buttered pasta

  • Roasted asparagus or green beans

  • Fresh cucumber or mango salad

  • Wrapped in warm tortillas for fish tacos

👥 Servings

Serves: 4
Serving Size: ~4–5 cod strips per person

🧮 Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)

  • Calories: 320 kcal

  • Protein: 32 g

  • Fat: 16 g

  • Saturated Fat: 7 g

  • Carbohydrates: 14 g

  • Sugar: 9 g

  • Sodium: 620 mg

  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids: High

💚 Health Benefits

  • High-quality lean protein for muscle health

  • Omega-3 fatty acids support heart and brain health

  • Garlic boosts immunity and has anti-inflammatory properties

  • Low in carbs, making it suitable for balanced diets

  • Cod is naturally low in mercury, safe for regular consumption

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Q: Can I bake the cod instead of pan-frying?
A: Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, then drizzle with warm sauce.

Q: Is this recipe spicy?
A: Mildly. You can omit chili flakes or add sriracha for extra heat.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Best served fresh, but leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 2 days.

Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
A: Yes—replace butter with plant-based butter or extra olive oil.

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to keep it gluten-free.

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