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Garlic Butter Cod Strips with Sweet Chili Lime Sauce have become my go to dish for quick weeknight dinners when I want restaurant flavor without effort. That buttery cod cooks up perfectly golden in less than fifteen minutes and the tangy sweet chili lime sauce is both effortless and wildly addictive. The flavors always bring me straight to summer days by the sea and this recipe truly makes seafood approachable any night of the week.
After the first bite my family kept asking for more and now this is the most requested fish recipe at my table. The sauce is so irresistible they even dip their vegetables in it.
Ingredients
- Cod fillets cut into strips: Fresh white fish like cod gives a mild tender bite and cooks fast. Look for firm fillets with no strong odor for best results.
- Butter: Adds luxurious richness to the dish and helps with browning. Use unsalted for better control over seasoning.
- Garlic minced: Fresh garlic deeply flavors both the cod and the sauce. Choose plump cloves without green sprouts.
- Salt: Essential for highlighting the delicate flavor of cod.
- Black pepper: For a touch of background heat.
- Paprika: Adds beautiful color and a mild smoky depth. Try Spanish smoked paprika if you love bolder flavor.
- Lime juice: The acid brightens the fish and balances the sweetness in the sauce. Choose juicy limes with shiny skins.
- Olive oil: Helps achieve crispy edges. Use an oil with a fresh grassy aroma.
- Sweet chili sauce: Gives that well loved sticky sweet heat. Grab a brand with high chili content for more punch.
- Honey: Balances acidity in the sauce and adds gloss.
- Soy sauce or fish sauce: Either brings out umami depth. Fish sauce will give more traditional Southeast Asian vibes.
- Finely grated garlic or ginger: Provides a very fresh bite to the sauce and can be swapped based on your mood.
Instructions
- Season the Cod:
- Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. This step ensures the exterior will sear rather than steam. Sprinkle both sides evenly with salt black pepper and paprika then squeeze lime juice over. Let sit for five minutes so the flavors start to absorb.
- Cook the Cod:
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large non stick pan over medium heat. When the butter is foaming add minced garlic and stir constantly for thirty seconds until the kitchen is filled with a garlicky aroma but the garlic remains pale. Lay in the cod strips in a single layer leaving space between each piece. Cook two to three minutes per side flipping gently once the bottoms look deep golden and the flesh turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Remove the strips from the pan and loosely tent with foil.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a small bowl combine sweet chili sauce fresh squeezed lime juice honey soy or fish sauce and your choice of grated garlic or ginger. Whisk until glossy and smooth. Taste and adjust the lime or honey as needed for balance.
- Finish and Serve:
- Arrange cod strips on a serving plate and spoon the remaining garlic butter from the pan over the top. Either spoon the sweet chili lime sauce liberally over the fish or serve it in a small bowl on the side for dipping. Garnish with a bit more lime zest if desired and serve immediately while the cod is hot and buttery.
The garlic butter is honestly my favorite part and I always sneak an extra drizzle over steamed broccoli. I still remember my dad claiming he did not like fish until he tasted this buttery cod and now he asks for it by name. The combination is pure comfort with a playful twist from the sauce.
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Cod is best enjoyed hot the first time but to reheat use gentle heat in the oven or a covered skillet with a splash of water to help keep it moist. Avoid microwaving so the fish does not toughen.
Ingredient Substitutions
If cod is not available you can use any mild white fish like haddock or halibut. No sweet chili sauce on hand Mix a bit of chili garlic sauce with honey as a quick fix. Lime can be replaced with lemon for a softer citrus note. Ginger instead of garlic in the sauce brings a fresh warmth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these cod strips over jasmine rice or coconut rice for an easy dinner base. Wrap them inside warm tortillas with slaw for incredible tacos. Try pairing with roasted potatoes or a crunchy cucumber salad for a lighter option.
Cultural Context
This dish merges classic European pan seared fish with Southeast Asian style sauces. The cod and butter echo traditional French techniques while the chili sauce brings in sweet sour and spicy notes typical of Thai or Vietnamese cuisine. It is a lovely fusion of comfort and brightness.
Seasonal Adaptations
Serve summery style with grilled pineapple or mango salsa alongside In cooler months pair with steamed greens and warm roasted sweet potatoes Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil stirred into the sauce brighten up springtime dinners
Success Stories
A college friend tried this recipe on vacation with frozen fish and it still tasted amazing. My aunt now makes a big batch of the sauce and keeps it on hand for drizzling over any quick seafood or grilled chicken. Even picky eaters find themselves going back for more thanks to that sweet garlicky glaze.
Freezer Meal Conversion
You can freeze uncooked seasoned cod strips on a baking tray then transfer to a bag for up to two months. Thaw overnight and cook as usual. Freeze the sweet chili sauce separately in a small container. Reheat gently without overcooking the cod for best texture.
Try this recipe for an easy and delicious seafood meal that is full of flavor. I hope you enjoy it as much as my family does.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do you keep cod strips from breaking apart while cooking?
Gently pat cod dry, use medium heat, and avoid flipping too early. The fish will release easily once golden and cooked through.
- → What type of pan works best for cooking cod strips?
A non-stick or well-seasoned skillet helps prevent sticking and ensures an even golden crust on the cod strips.
- → Can you substitute another fish for cod?
Yes, mild white fish like haddock, pollock, or tilapia can be used in place of cod for similar texture and flavor.
- → How spicy is the sweet chili lime sauce?
The sauce offers mild heat balanced by sweetness and tang from lime and honey, adaptable using different chili sauces.
- → Is the dish gluten-free?
The ingredients are naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free soy or fish sauce. Always check your labels to be sure.
- → How do you serve garlic butter cod strips?
Serve over steamed rice, salad, or vegetables, with extra sauce and garlic butter spooned on top for extra flavor.