Looking for a quick and delightful seafood dish that will impress your family and friends? Try these Garlic Butter Cod Strips with Sweet Chili Lime Sauce! This elegant meal combines flaky cod fillets sautéed in golden garlic butter, topped with a zesty and flavorful sweet chili lime sauce. The contrasting textures and flavors of tender fish and tangy sauce create a mouthwatering experience that’s sure to please any palate.
What’s great about this recipe is its simplicity. You can whip it up in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner parties. The garlic butter adds a rich flavor to the cod strips, while the sweet chili lime sauce brings a fun twist that balances perfectly, giving your dish an irresistible taste. This combination not only makes for a delicious meal but also incorporates healthy ingredients that your body will thank you for!
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Cod Strips with Sweet Chili Lime Sauce
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for a weeknight dinner, cooked in less than 30 minutes.
- Flavorful: The rich taste of garlic butter with a tangy, sweet chili lime sauce is simply irresistible.
- Healthy Option: Cod is packed with protein and low in calories, making this recipe a nutritious choice.
- Versatile: Can be served as a main dish or as part of a seafood platter.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into this delicious Garlic Butter Cod Strips recipe, prepping your kitchen and workspace is essential for a smooth cooking process. Gather all your ingredients and tools, which include a skillet, measuring cups and spoons, a small bowl for the sauce, and a whisk for mixing. Make sure to have a sharp knife for cutting the cod fillets into strips, and have your chopping board ready for the garlic and parsley.
Creating an organized cooking environment will not only enhance your cooking experience but will also help you be efficient. Ensure your skillet is prepped and your herbs are chopped so you can move swiftly through the cooking stages. Don’t forget to have your serving dishes ready to plate your delicious garlic butter cod strips and highlight their vibrant color!
Ingredients
- 1 lb cod fillets, cut into strips
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- Juice of 1 lime
- Zest of 1 lime
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Garlic
Begin by melting the butter in a skillet over medium heat. It’s important to keep the heat at a medium level to prevent the butter from burning. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic to the skillet; sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant and just starting to turn golden. This step releases the rich flavors that will infuse into the cod.
Step 2: Cook the Cod Strips
After achieving that perfect garlic fragrance, season the cod strips with salt, pepper, and paprika for flavor. Place the seasoned cod strips in the skillet carefully, ensuring not to overcrowd them. Allow them to cook for approximately 3–4 minutes on each side. Watch for the fish to turn opaque and flaky, which is a sign that it’s fully cooked. Once done, transfer the strips to a plate and set aside while you prepare the sauce.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the sweet chili sauce with the fresh lime juice, lime zest, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sriracha if you prefer a little heat. Whisk the ingredients together until they’re thoroughly combined. This sauce will not only enhance the cod’s flavor but will also add a colorful and zesty element visually. The sweetness from the chili sauce balances the citrus tang from the lime, creating a perfect accompaniment to your cod strips.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Once your cod strips are cooked and your sauce is ready, it’s time for the best part! Drizzle the zesty sweet chili lime sauce over the cod strips, allowing a generous amount to enhance the flavor. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and a hint of freshness. Serve these warm, and watch as they disappear from the plate!
Variations
- Protein: Swap cod for salmon or shrimp, cooking times may vary slightly.
- Vegetables: Add in sautéed bell peppers or green beans for a colorful vegetable medley.
- Spices: Enhance the dish with some cumin or chili powder for extra warmth or switch sriracha with chili flakes for a different kick.
Cooking Notes
- Ensure the cod is fresh for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t skip the lime zest; it enhances the sauce’s flavor and gives it a fresh, vibrant appeal.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with jasmine rice or quinoa to complement the flavors.
- Pair it with a light salad for a refreshing meal.
Tips
- For a deeper garlic flavor, let the minced garlic sauté a little longer but be cautious not to burn it.
- Prepping your ingredients ahead of time will make the cooking process faster and easier.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 300 per serving
- Protein: 24g
- Sodium: 450mg
FAQs
Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?
Yes, frozen cod can be used; however, ensure it’s thawed completely before cooking to ensure even cooking.
What can I substitute for the sweet chili sauce?
You can make a sauce with honey, soy sauce, and hot sauce for a similar effect or use a homemade sweet chili sauce if preferred.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add an extra teaspoon of sriracha to the sauce or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes over the cod before serving.
What side dishes pair well with Garlic Butter Cod Strips?
Jasmine rice and a light, crisp salad are excellent side options. You could also serve it with couscous or steamed vegetables.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Cod Strips with Sweet Chili Lime Sauce offer a delectable way to enjoy a healthy seafood dish without the fuss. Perfect for family dinners or when you want to impress guests, this recipe is quick, full of flavor, and versatile. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different variations or side dishes to make it uniquely yours. We invite you to share your experiences, variations, and any tips you may have in the comments below. Happy cooking!
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Garlic Butter Cod Strips with Sweet Chili Lime Sauce
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Garlic Butter Cod Strips with Sweet Chili Lime Sauce offer a delectable way to enjoy a healthy seafood dish without the fuss.
Ingredients
- 1 lb cod fillets, cut into strips
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- Juice of 1 lime
- Zest of 1 lime
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional)
Instructions
- Begin by melting the butter in a skillet over medium heat. It’s important to keep the heat at a medium level to prevent the butter from burning. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic to the skillet; sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant and just starting to turn golden.
- After achieving that perfect garlic fragrance, season the cod strips with salt, pepper, and paprika for flavor. Place the seasoned cod strips in the skillet carefully, ensuring not to overcrowd them. Allow them to cook for approximately 3–4 minutes on each side.
- In a small bowl, combine the sweet chili sauce with the fresh lime juice, lime zest, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sriracha if you prefer a little heat. Whisk the ingredients together until they’re thoroughly combined.
- Once your cod strips are cooked and your sauce is ready, it’s time for the best part! Drizzle the zesty sweet chili lime sauce over the cod strips, allowing a generous amount to enhance the flavor.
Notes
Ensure the cod is fresh for the best flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Protein: 24 g