Garlic Butter Cod Strips with Sweet Chili Lime Sauce

Imagine sinking your teeth into buttery, flaky cod strips that are bursting with flavor and paired with a zingy sweet chili lime sauce. This dish promises a delightful blend of savory and sweet while being incredibly easy to prepare. In under 30 minutes, you’ll have a gourmet meal that your family will adore, a perfect combination for busy weeknights or impressing guests during holiday gatherings. Say goodbye to boring dinner routines and hello to irresistible Garlic Butter Cod Strips with Sweet Chili Lime Sauce. So, if you’re ready to elevate your culinary game quickly and satisfyingly, let’s get started! You can always “Jump to recipe” if you’re eager to dive right in!

Garlic Butter Cod Strips with Sweet Chili Lime Sauce

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• Author: Alexandra
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Diet: Pescatarian

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Description

Buttery, flaky cod strips served with a zingy sweet chili lime sauce for a delightful and easy gourmet meal.

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Ingredients

• Cod fillets (fresh or frozen)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• Juice of 2 limes (freshly squeezed)
• 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
• Salt to taste
• Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
• Chopped cilantro (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prep your ingredients by cutting the cod fillets into strips and mincing the garlic cloves.
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat until bubbly.
3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add the cod strips and sauté for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
5. Mix lime juice and sweet chili sauce in a bowl and pour over the cod in the last minute of cooking.
6. Garnish with cilantro if desired and serve.

Notes

For added flavor, consider using high-quality butter and letting the cod rest for better juiciness before serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Seafood

What Is Garlic Butter Cod Strips with Sweet Chili Lime Sauce?

Garlic Butter Cod Strips with Sweet Chili Lime Sauce is a delectable seafood dish featuring tender cod fillets sliced into strips, sautéed until golden brown, and served with a bright, sweet, and tangy sauce. Unlike traditional fried fish, this recipe leans on butter and garlic, resulting in a dish that’s rich yet light. It rivals similar recipes like fish tacos or lemon garlic shrimp but stands out thanks to its unique flavor profile and quick preparation time. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or festive occasions, this dish is not only delicious but also nutritious. Cod is packed with lean protein and essential nutrients, making it a healthy choice for any day of the week.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Cod Strips with Sweet Chili Lime Sauce

Quality ingredients make all the difference in this dish, ensuring an explosion of flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need to create Garlic Butter Cod Strips with Sweet Chili Lime Sauce:

• Cod fillets (fresh or frozen): Choose wild-caught for better flavor. If unavailable, tilapia or haddock can work as substitutes.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness; can substitute with olive oil for a dairy-free alternative.
• Garlic cloves (minced): Fresh garlic will give you the best flavor. Garlic powder can be a quick alternative but won’t match the intensity.
• Lime juice (freshly squeezed): Fresh lime juice enhances the sauce’s flavor; bottled juice can be used in a pinch but may taste different.
• Sweet chili sauce: Provides the dish’s signature sweetness and spice. Hoisin sauce can work as a substitute for a different flavor profile.
• Salt: Enhances all flavors; sea salt is preferred.
• Pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper adds spice; white pepper can be used for a different taste.
• Chopped cilantro (optional): A fresh garnish that brightens the dish. Parsley can be used as an alternative for a milder flavor.

Quick Swaps

• Gluten-free: Ensure all sauces are gluten-free.
• Dairy-free: Replace butter with coconut oil or your favorite dairy-free butter.
• Vegan: Use tofu or tempeh cubes instead of cod, with plant-based butter.
• Low-sugar: Opt for sugar-free sweet chili sauce.

Step-by-Step: How to Prepare Garlic Butter Cod Strips with Sweet Chili Lime Sauce

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by cutting the cod fillets into strips of about 1-inch thick. Mince the garlic cloves and juice the limes. Set everything aside. This organization will make the cooking process smoother.
Troubleshooting Tip: Ensure the strips are evenly sized for consistent cooking.

Step 2: Heat the Butter

In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat until it begins to bubble.
Safety Note: Keep an eye on the butter; overheated butter can burn quickly.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly. You want it fragrant but not browned.
Troubleshooting Tip: If garlic burns, the sauce will taste bitter, so adjust heat as necessary.

Step 4: Cook the Cod Strips

Carefully add the cod strips to the skillet. Sauté for 4-5 minutes on each side until the fish is golden brown and flakes easily with a fork.
Troubleshooting Tip: If the cod is too dry, it may have cooked too long; aim for an internal temperature of 145°F.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together the freshly squeezed lime juice and sweet chili sauce. Pour this over the cod in the final minute of cooking, ensuring the strips are well coated.
Troubleshooting Tip: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water to loosen it.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Upon serving, garnish with chopped cilantro if desired, and enjoy your delicious meal!
Safety Note: Use caution with hot cookware and serving dishes.

Pro Tips for Flawless Garlic Butter Cod Strips with Sweet Chili Lime Sauce

1. Choose the Right Pan: For a perfect sear, use a cast-iron skillet; it retains heat well and enhances browning.
2. Let the Cod Rest: Allow the cooked cod to rest for a minute before serving for optimal juiciness.
3. Butter Quality: Use high-quality unsalted butter for the best flavor; European-style butter has a higher fat content for richness.
4. Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on low heat to avoid overcooking.
5. Equipment Alternatives: If you don’t have a whisk for mixing the sauce, a fork or your blender will do fine.

Variations & Dietary Swaps

Looking to mix things up? Here are a few flavor twists:

• Spicy Twist: Add a touch of cayenne or chili flakes to the garlic butter for a kick.
• Herb-Infused: Introduce fresh dill or thyme for a different herbaceous flavor.
• Tropical Vibes: Incorporate diced mango into the sweet chili sauce for a fruity twist.

For dietary adaptations:

• Gluten-free: Make sure your sweet chili sauce is labeled gluten-free.
• Dairy-free: Use a coconut-based butter or oil.
• Vegan: Swap cod for hearty veggies like eggplant or portobello mushrooms.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Garlic Butter Cod Strips with Sweet Chili Lime Sauce pairs beautifully with light and refreshing sides. Serve it alongside a simple green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or steamed jasmine rice to soak up that delicious sauce. As for drinks, a chilled glass of white wine or iced tea will elevate your dining experience. For a quick add-on, consider a 5-minute cucumber salad with lime dressing.

Nutrition & Notes

Each serving of Garlic Butter Cod Strips with Sweet Chili Lime Sauce offers approximately 300 calories, with high protein content and low carbs. This dish is also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, making it heart-healthy. Be mindful of sodium levels from the butter and sweet chili sauce.

Conclusion

In just 30 minutes, you can create an exquisite meal that’s flavorful, buttery, and healthy. These Garlic Butter Cod Strips with Sweet Chili Lime Sauce are sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re busy with family or entertaining guests, this recipe delivers taste and satisfaction. If you love this meal, please leave a comment, rate the recipe, and share it with your friends!

FAQs

Can I make Garlic Butter Cod Strips with Sweet Chili Lime Sauce ahead?

Yes, you can prepare the cod strips in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Cook the sauce fresh for the best flavor.

Storage & reheating?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to maintain texture and flavor.

Sub for sweet chili sauce?

If you’re out of sweet chili sauce, a combination of ketchup and a splash of sriracha can create a similar sweet-spicy profile.

Scaling up/down?

This recipe can easily be scaled to feed larger crowds or reduced for a single serving. Just adjust cooking times accordingly, ensuring all pieces are evenly cooked.