Garlic Butter Cod Strips with Sweet Chilli Lime Sauce

Tender cod strips are pan-seared until golden and coated in rich garlic butter, then finished with a sweet, tangy chilli-lime sauce. It’s an easy weeknight dish with plenty of fresh flavor and a delicious balance of buttery, zesty, and slightly spicy notes.

Ingredients

For the Cod

• 500 g cod fillets, cut into strips
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

For the Sweet Chilli Lime Sauce

• 3 tablespoons sweet chilli sauce
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1 teaspoon lime zest
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 small garlic clove, finely minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red chilli flakes, optional

Instructions

1. Pat the cod strips dry with paper towels. Season with paprika, salt, black pepper, and dried parsley.
2. Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the cod strips in a single layer. Cook for about 2–3 minutes per side, turning gently, until golden on the outside and cooked through.
4. Lower the heat and add the minced garlic. Spoon the garlic butter over the cod for about 30 seconds, being careful not to burn the garlic.
5. Whisk together the sweet chilli sauce, lime juice, lime zest, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and chilli flakes.
6. Pour the sauce into the skillet and gently toss the cod strips until they are evenly coated. Let everything cook for another 1–2 minutes so the sauce becomes glossy and slightly thickened.
7. Finish with an extra squeeze of fresh lime juice and a sprinkle of parsley.

Q&A

Can I use another type of fish?
Yes. Haddock, pollock, tilapia, or salmon can work well. Choose a firm fish that won’t easily fall apart while cooking.

Can I make this less spicy?
Absolutely. Skip the chilli flakes and use a mild sweet chilli sauce.

What can I serve with garlic butter cod?
Try steamed vegetables, roasted potatoes, rice, quinoa, or a fresh cucumber salad.

Can I use frozen cod?
Yes, but thaw it completely and pat it very dry before seasoning and cooking.

How do I know when the cod is done?
The fish should be opaque and separate easily with a fork. Avoid overcooking it, as cod can become dry.

Nutrition

Cod provides lean protein while the garlic, lime, and chilli sauce add plenty of flavor without making the dish heavy. For a lighter option, serve it with steamed vegetables or a crisp salad.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Cod Strips with Sweet Chilli Lime Sauce are quick, flavorful, and easy enough for a busy evening. The buttery garlic coating combined with sweet chilli and fresh lime gives simple cod a delicious upgrade.