Introduction

These Garlic Butter Cod Strips with Sweet Chili Lime Sauce offer a bright, flavorful twist on a classic seafood dish. Tender cod strips are pan-seared and coated in a fragrant garlic butter, then served with a tangy, slightly sweet chili lime sauce. It’s a simple yet impressive recipe perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual entertaining.

A close-up view of a white bowl filled with three large rice noodle rolls, each cut in segments but still intact, showing a soft and slightly translucent white texture. The rolls are topped with a layer of golden brown charred spots from grilling or frying, giving a crispy look with dark brown grill marks, and are sprinkled evenly with finely chopped green herbs. The rolls sit in a shallow layer of a light orange oily sauce with small red chili flakes scattered around. The background is blurred city lights, creating a warm glow behind the dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb Cod fillets (cut into strips, about 450 g)

Salt and pepper (to taste)

2 tbsp Olive oil (for searing)

3 tbsp Butter (unsalted preferred)

3-4 cloves Garlic (minced)

1 Lime zest (zest of 1 lime)

1/2 lime Lime juice (freshly squeezed)

3 tbsp Sweet chili sauce (Asian-style bottled sauce)

1 tbsp Lime juice (freshly squeezed)

1 tsp Lime zest (finely grated)

1 tsp Honey (optional, for balance)

1 pinch Salt (to taste)

Fresh cilantro or parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Pat the cod strips dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add cod strips in a single layer and cook 2–3 minutes per side until lightly golden and opaque. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Reduce heat to medium-low. Add butter to the same skillet and let it melt. Stir in minced garlic, lime zest, and lime juice. Cook about 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Return cod strips to the skillet and spoon the garlic butter over them. Warm gently for another minute to coat evenly.

Step 5: In a small bowl, whisk together sweet chili sauce, lime juice, lime zest, honey, and a pinch of salt to make the sauce.

Step 6: Plate the cod strips and drizzle the sweet chili lime sauce over the top or serve it on the side. Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh cod whenever possible for the best texture and flavor.

For a spicier kick, add a small amount of finely chopped fresh chili or chili flakes to the sauce.

If you prefer, swap fresh cilantro for fresh parsley to suit your taste.

Serve with steamed rice or a crisp green salad to complete the meal.

FAQs

Can I use other types of fish for this recipe?

Yes, firm white fish like haddock, halibut, or tilapia can be used as substitutes. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the fish.