Garlic Butter Cod Strips with Sweet Chili Lime Sauce

why make this recipe

This dish is quick, tasty, and light. The cod cooks fast in garlic butter. The sweet chili lime sauce adds brightness and a little heat. It works for a weeknight dinner or a simple weekend meal. If you like garlic and a mix of sweet and sour, you will enjoy this. For more garlic-butter ideas, try Crispy Lobster Bites with Garlic Butter Sauce.

how to make Garlic Butter Cod Strips with Sweet Chili Lime Sauce

Ingredients : 500 g cod fillets, cut into strips, 3 tbsp butter, 3 cloves garlic, minced, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp paprika, Juice of 1/2 lime, 1 tbsp olive oil, 4 tbsp sweet chili sauce, Juice of 1 lime, 1 tsp honey (optional, for extra sweetness), 1 tsp soy sauce or fish sauce (optional, for depth), 1 tsp finely grated garlic or ginger (optional)

Directions :

1. Pat cod dry. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and lime juice.
2. Heat olive oil and butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add cod strips and cook 2–3 minutes per side until golden and flaky. Remove from heat.
3. In a small bowl, mix sweet chili sauce, lime juice, honey, soy/fish sauce, and garlic or ginger.
4. Drizzle sauce over the cod or serve on the side. Spoon extra garlic butter from the pan on top.

Follow the steps in order. Patting the fish dry helps it sear. Use medium heat so the butter does not burn. Cook the strips until they flake easily with a fork.

introduction

This recipe brings simple flavors together. Butter and garlic make the fish rich. The sweet chili lime sauce gives sweet, spicy, and tangy notes. You do not need special tools. A pan and a bowl are enough. This makes a meal in under 20 minutes.

how to serve Garlic Butter Cod Strips with Sweet Chili Lime Sauce

Serve the cod hot. Place strips over rice, noodles, or a bed of greens. Add the sauce on top or serve it on the side for dipping. Garnish with lime wedges and chopped parsley or cilantro. A light salad or steamed vegetables pairs well.

how to store Garlic Butter Cod Strips with Sweet Chili Lime Sauce

Cool the fish to room temperature before storing. Put in an airtight container. Keep in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or in a pan with a splash of oil to keep the fish from drying. Do not freeze cooked fish; texture will change.

tips to make Garlic Butter Cod Strips with Sweet Chili Lime Sauce

• Pat the cod dry to get a good sear.
• Do not overcook. Fish cooks fast; remove when it flakes easily.
• Use fresh lime juice for best flavor.
• If the butter browns too fast, lower the heat and add a little oil.
• For a richer sauce, add a bit of reserved pan butter.
• You can also see a similar rich pasta idea at Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Penne for more flavor pairings.

variation (if any)

• Use salmon or tilapia instead of cod.
• Make the sauce spicier with more chili sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Add herbs like basil or cilantro to the sauce for fresh flavor.
• Bake the strips at 200°C (400°F) for 8–10 minutes instead of pan-frying for a hands-off option.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen cod?

A: Yes. Thaw fully and pat dry before seasoning and cooking.

Q: Is fish sauce necessary in the sauce?

A: No. It adds depth, but soy sauce or just skip it if you prefer.

Q: How do I know when the cod is done?

A: The fish flakes easily and looks opaque. Check with a fork.

Q: Can I make the sauce ahead?

A: Yes. Mix the sauce and keep it in the fridge up to 2 days. Bring to room temp before serving.

Q: Can I use less butter?

A: Yes. You can cut butter by half and add a little extra oil.

Conclusion

For a quick and zesty version of this dish, see the full recipe at Garlic Butter Cod Strips With Sweet Chili Lime Sauce | Quick & Zesty ….

Garlic Butter Cod Strips with Sweet Chili Lime Sauce

This quick and tasty dish features cod fillets cooked in garlic butter and served with a sweet chili lime sauce, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a simple weekend meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Cod

• 500 g cod fillets, cut into strips Pat dry before seasoning
• 3 tbsp butter Use unsalted for better control of seasoning
• 3 cloves garlic, minced Use fresh garlic for best flavor
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Juice of 1/2 lime lime juice Fresh lime juice is recommended
• 1 tbsp olive oil Helps to prevent butter from burning

For the Sweet Chili Lime Sauce

• 4 tbsp sweet chili sauce
• Juice of 1 lime lime juice
• 1 tsp honey (optional) Use for extra sweetness
• 1 tsp soy sauce or fish sauce (optional) Adds depth of flavor
• 1 tsp finely grated garlic or ginger (optional)

Method

 

Preparation

1. Pat cod dry. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and lime juice.

Cooking

1. Heat olive oil and butter in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add cod strips and cook 2–3 minutes per side until golden and flaky.
4. Remove from heat.

Making the Sauce

1. In a small bowl, mix sweet chili sauce, lime juice, honey, soy/fish sauce, and garlic or ginger.

Serving

1. Drizzle sauce over the cod or serve on the side. Spoon extra garlic butter from the pan on top.

Notes

Cool the fish to room temperature before storing. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or in a pan with a splash of oil to keep the fish from drying. Use fresh lime juice for best flavor.