Indulge in the rich, buttery flavors of tender cod strips perfectly cooked in garlic butter. This dish tantalizes the taste buds with the warmth of garlic, combined with a crispy-textured fish that flakes beautifully with each bite.
To elevate the experience, these cod strips are drizzled with a vibrant sweet chili lime sauce offering a zesty, tangy contrast that awakens your palate and makes every mouthful irresistible. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress.
- Quick and simple to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Balances rich garlic butter with fresh, tangy sweet chili lime sauce.
- Healthy and delicious seafood option that is sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients
- Cod fillets (1 pound, cut into strips): Firm, mild white fish cut into strips for even cooking and flaky texture.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): Provides a rich, creamy base cooking fat infused with garlic aroma.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Freshly minced to infuse the butter with pungent, savory flavor.
- Salt (to taste): Enhances all flavors and season the fish evenly.
- Pepper (to taste): Adds subtle heat and balances the richness.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Offers mild smoky warmth and an appealing reddish color.
- Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped for garnish): Bright herb that adds a fresh, grassy contrast and visual appeal.
- Sweet chili sauce (1/4 cup): A sweet and mildly spicy base for the zesty sauce.
- Lime juice (1 whole lime): Adds sharp citrus acidity to balance sweetness.
- Lime zest (1 whole lime): Contributes aromatic oils and fresh lime fragrance.
- Soy sauce (1 teaspoon): Adds umami depth and a touch of saltiness to the sauce.
- Sesame oil (1 teaspoon): Provides a toasty, nutty flavor enhancing the Asian-inspired sauce.
- Sriracha (1 teaspoon, optional): Adds a kick of heat for spicy flavor lovers.
Instructions
- Melt Butter and Sauté Garlic
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In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter until fully liquefied. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned, releasing the garlic’s rich aroma into the butter base.
- Season Cod Strips
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Pat the cod strips dry with paper towels, then season them evenly with salt, pepper, and paprika. These seasonings balance the fish’s subtle flavor while the paprika adds warmth and color.
- Cook Cod Strips Until Flaky
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Place the seasoned cod strips into the skillet. Cook them for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, allowing a golden crust to form while the interior becomes tender and flaky. Remove from heat once cooked through to prevent dryness.
- Prepare Sweet Chili Lime Sauce
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In a small mixing bowl, combine sweet chili sauce, freshly squeezed lime juice, lime zest, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sriracha if desired. Whisk until the flavors are well blended, creating a vibrant, tangy topping.
- Drizzle Sauce and Garnish
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Generously drizzle the prepared sweet chili lime sauce over the garlic butter cod strips, coating each piece for a burst of flavor. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley to add color and a refreshing herbal note.
- You can easily adjust the spice level by varying the amount of sriracha or omitting it altogether for a milder dish.
- Be careful not to overcook the cod strips; they should be just opaque and flaky for optimal texture.
- The fresh lime zest and juice brighten the dish, so use fresh limes rather than bottled juice for best results.
Storage Tips
Store leftover cod strips in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to retain moisture and flavor without drying out the fish.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or crisp green salads to balance the richness. Add a side of grilled vegetables or a light slaw to complete your meal with freshness and crunch.
- Use fresh, wild-caught cod for the best texture and flavor.
- Ensure the skillet is hot enough before adding fish to get a nice sear without sticking.
- Toast the paprika lightly before using to bring out its warm, smoky notes.
FAQs
- Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?
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Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely and pat dry to avoid excess moisture which can affect the cooking texture.
- What can I substitute for sweet chili sauce?
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Try a mixture of honey, chili flakes, and rice vinegar as a homemade alternative that matches the sweet and spicy flavor profile.
- Is this dish gluten-free?
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Check the soy sauce used, as some contain gluten. Opt for tamari or gluten-free soy sauce to keep the dish gluten-free.
- Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
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Yes, the sweet chili lime sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance and refrigerated to allow flavors to meld.
- How spicy is this dish?
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The default version is mildly spicy, but adding or omitting sriracha lets you control the heat level to your liking.
Garlic Butter Cod Strips
Equipment
- 1 skillet
- 1 mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 1 pound cod fillets cut into strips
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- Juice of 1 lime
- Zest of 1 lime
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sriracha optional, for added heat
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Season the cod strips with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Cook the cod strips in the skillet for 3-4 minutes on each side until cooked through and flaky. Remove from heat.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together sweet chili sauce, lime juice, lime zest, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sriracha if using.
- Drizzle the sweet chili lime sauce over the cooked cod strips.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Adjust spice level by adding more or less sriracha.
- Use fresh lime juice for best flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
