Name: Garlic Butter Cod Strips with Sweet Chili Lime Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Seafood
Ingredients: 500 g cod fillets, cut into strips; 3 tbsp butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp paprika; Juice of 1/2 lime; 1 tbsp olive oil; 4 tbsp sweet chili sauce; Juice of 1 lime; 1 tsp honey (optional); 1 tsp soy sauce or fish sauce (optional); 1 tsp finely grated garlic or ginger (optional); Fresh cilantro or parsley (for garnish); Lime wedges (for serving); Crushed red pepper flakes (optional); Sesame seeds (optional); Spring onions (scallions) for garnish

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Last updated on January 6, 2026

Introduction

Have you ever caught yourself daydreaming about a dinner that’s fast, comforting, and a little bit fancy? I have—many evenings when I wanted something special without spending hours in the kitchen. The first time I tried making Garlic Butter Cod Strips with Sweet Chili Lime Sauce, I remember almost burning the garlic because I rushed, and then being amazed that such few steps made a dish that looked and tasted like it came from a cozy seaside bistro. If you’re nervous about overcooking fish, juggling confusing steps, or wondering what to substitute if you don’t have an ingredient on hand—you’re not alone. I’ll show you how this recipe is simple, forgiving, and perfect for a busy weeknight. Also, if you like quick, flavorful meals, you might enjoy one of my other weeknight staples like this fiery chicken ramen—it’s another dish that proves bold flavors don’t need long prep. Stick with me and I’ll make this totally doable, even if it’s your first time cooking fish.

Why I Love This Recipe of Garlic Butter Cod Strips with Sweet Chili Lime Sauce

I love this recipe because it hits a sweet spot: it’s cozy and simple, yet feels special. Cod is one of those mild, friendly fish that doesn’t intimidate you. The garlic butter gives it warmth and homestyle comfort, while the sweet chili lime sauce adds a bright, zesty kick—sweet, tangy, and just a touch spicy. For a beginner cook, that’s a dream. The technique is straightforward: pat, season, sear, and sauce. No complicated batter, no deep frying, and no long oven waits.

Emotionally, this recipe is a small celebration. It’s the kind of meal I make when I want to treat myself after a long day but don’t want to fuss. It’s also forgiving—if your fillet pieces aren’t all the same size, they’ll still turn out tasty, and the sauce covers up small imperfections in texture or color. Practically, it’s fast. From cutting the fish to plating takes around 20 minutes for most cooks. It’s great for weeknights, date nights at home, or a cozy family dinner. You can also make the sauce ahead and reheat the cod gently when dinner time arrives.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Garlic Butter Cod Strips with Sweet Chili Lime Sauce

Essentials

500 g cod fillets, cut into strips: Choose fresh or thawed cod. Aim for similar-sized strips so they cook evenly. If cod isn’t available, see the substitutions below.
3 tbsp butter: This is for that rich garlic butter pan sauce. Use salted or unsalted; if salted, reduce the added salt slightly.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic gives the best aroma. If you love garlic, add a little more.
1/2 tsp salt: Adjust to taste, especially if using salted butter.
1/2 tsp black pepper: Freshly ground is best.
1/2 tsp paprika: Adds mild smokiness and color.
Juice of 1/2 lime: A quick squeeze brightens the fish while seasoning.
1 tbsp olive oil: Helps prevent the butter from burning and helps with browning.

For the Sweet Chili Lime Sauce

4 tbsp sweet chili sauce: This is the base—tangy, sweet, and mildly spicy.
Juice of 1 lime: Fresh lime juice lifts the sauce and balances sweetness.
1 tsp honey (optional): For extra sweetness or to smooth out very tangy sauce.
1 tsp soy sauce or fish sauce (optional): A small splash adds savory depth. Fish sauce intensifies umami; soy sauce keeps it vegetarian-friendly.
1 tsp finely grated garlic or ginger (optional): Adds freshness and a gentle bite. Use grated ginger for a fresher zing, or extra garlic if you’re all-in on garlic.

Optional Add-ons

Fresh cilantro or parsley: For garnish and freshness.
Lime wedges: For extra squeeze at the table.
Crushed red pepper flakes: If you like it hotter.
Sesame seeds: For a nutty finish.
Spring onions (scallions): Thinly sliced for a mild onion crunch.

Substitutions and Shortcuts

Fish swap: If you can’t get cod, use haddock, pollock, tilapia, or halibut. Thicker fillets like halibut need slightly longer cooking time.
Butter substitute: Use ghee for a higher smoke point or extra olive oil if dairy-free (the flavor will change slightly).
Sweet chili sauce: If you don’t have it, mix 2 tbsp ketchup, 1 tbsp honey, and 1 tsp sriracha or chili paste, then add a squeeze of lime.
Soy/fish sauce: Omit if you’re avoiding sodium or umami boosters—your sauce will still be tasty.
Pre-minced garlic: Fine in a pinch. Fresh is best for aroma.
Make-ahead: Mix the sauce up to 2 days ahead and store in the fridge. Reheat very gently or serve at room temperature.

Tip on Buying Cod
Look for firm, translucent fillets with a mild ocean scent. If using frozen cod, thaw it in the fridge overnight or under cold running water, then pat dry before seasoning.

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

Before you start, lay out all your ingredients and tools: a large nonstick or stainless-steel pan, a bowl for the sauce, a plate, a paper towel, and a spatula. Mise en place makes this feel calm, not rushed.

Step 1 — Prep the Fish

Pat the cod strips dry with paper towels. This is the single most important step for a good sear. Moisture equals steam, and steam prevents that lovely golden edge we want.
Place the strips on a plate and squeeze the juice of half a lime over them. The acid helps a little with texture and flavor.
Sprinkle both sides with 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp paprika. Use your hands to lightly press the seasoning in so it adheres.

Step 2 — Heat the Pan and Infuse Butter

Warm a large pan over medium heat. Add 1 tbsp olive oil and 3 tbsp butter. The oil raises the butter’s smoke point and helps with even browning.
When the butter melts and starts to foam slightly, add the 3 cloves minced garlic. Sauté for about 20–30 seconds—just until fragrant. Be careful; garlic can go from golden to bitter quickly. Keep the heat moderate so it softens and perfumes the butter without burning.

Step 3 — Cook the Cod Strips

Add the seasoned cod strips to the pan in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed. Overcrowding causes steaming and prevents browning.
Let the strips cook undisturbed for about 2–3 minutes. Check one piece: it should have a golden edge and release easily from the pan. If it sticks, let it cook another 30 seconds.
Flip each strip carefully using a spatula or tongs. Cook the second side for another 2–3 minutes. Cod cooks fast—when it’s done, it will be opaque and flake easily when prodded with a fork.
Once cooked, transfer the strips to a plate and tent loosely with foil to keep warm. Before removing the pan from the heat, spoon the remaining garlic butter in the pan over the fish for extra richness.

Step 4 — Make the Sweet Chili Lime Sauce

In a small bowl, combine 4 tbsp sweet chili sauce and the juice of 1 lime. Stir to combine.
Add 1 tsp honey if you want extra sweetness. Add 1 tsp soy sauce or fish sauce for depth if you’re using either. Finally, stir in 1 tsp finely grated garlic or ginger if you like a fresher hit.
Taste and adjust: more lime for brightness, more honey for sweetness, or a pinch of salt if needed. The sauce should be balanced—sweet, tangy, and a touch savory.

Step 5 — Finish and Serve

Drizzle the sauce over the warm cod strips or serve it on the side for dipping. Spoon additional garlic butter from the pan over the fish for glossy, buttery finish.
Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley and a lime wedge. Serve immediately while the fish is warm and flaky.

Timing Notes

From pantry to plate, plan on 15–25 minutes depending on how many batches you cook. The sauce takes two minutes to whisk together, so make it while the fish finishes cooking.

Make-It-Extra Tips

If you want a crispier exterior, pat the cod completely dry and let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before cooking. A dry surface browns more easily.
For a richer flavor, add a small knob of butter to the sauce and whisk until glossy.
If you’re cooking for a crowd, keep cooked strips warm on a baking sheet in a 150°C/300°F oven for up to 15 minutes while you finish the rest.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking fish might feel high-stakes, but most mistakes are easy to avoid. Below are three common pitfalls and how to steer clear of them.

Overcrowding the Pan

When too many pieces go in at once, the pan temperature drops and the fish steams instead of searing. Steam leaves the fish pale and soft rather than golden and flavorful. Solution: work in batches. A hot pan and a single layer are key. If you don’t want to hold the finished fish in the oven, brief tenting with foil keeps it warm without sweating it out.

Burning the Garlic

Garlic goes from fragrant to bitter in seconds if the heat is too high or you leave it unattended. Bitter garlic will overpower the delicate fish. Solution: sauté garlic over medium heat for a very short time—20 to 30 seconds—until it’s fragrant, then add the fish. If your garlic starts to brown quickly, lower the heat and add a splash more butter or oil.

Overcooking the Cod

Cod is lean and can dry out if left in the pan too long. Overcooked cod becomes tough and loses its delicate texture. Solution: watch for visual cues—opaque flesh and gentle flaking when prodded with a fork. Cooking time is short: about 2–3 minutes per side for strips. If using thicker fillets, add a minute per side and test frequently.

Extra caution: If your fillets are very thin, reduce cook time; if they’re thick, finish in a low oven (about 160°C/325°F) for a few minutes to cook through without excessive surface browning.

Serving Suggestions for Garlic Butter Cod Strips with Sweet Chili Lime Sauce

This dish is versatile. Below are three easy, cozy serving ideas that pair well and feel homey. None require pork or alcohol.

Weeknight Comfort Bowl

Make a simple bowl with steamed jasmine rice or quick-cooking brown rice as the base. Add a handful of steamed broccoli or blanched green beans, a few sliced cucumbers for crunch, and place cod strips on top. Drizzle extra sweet chili lime sauce and finish with chopped spring onions and sesame seeds. It’s a balanced, satisfying weeknight meal that’s ready in 20–30 minutes.

Light Salad Plate

If you want something lighter, toss mixed greens with a pinch of salt, a drizzle of olive oil, and a little lime juice. Add avocado slices, thinly sliced radish, and roasted corn or cherry tomatoes. Place the cod strips on the salad and spoon the sweet chili lime sauce over. The fish makes the salad feel like a full meal without being heavy.

Cozy Family Dinner with Sides

Serve the cod alongside buttery mashed potatoes or garlic roasted baby potatoes and a side of sautéed greens (spinach or chard). Add a wedge of lemon or lime for squeezing. The sweet chili lime sauce adds brightness to classic comfort sides and makes this feel like a little celebration without extra fuss.

Pairing with Dessert
Finish the meal with something simple and homey, like fruit and a small sweet bite. If you enjoy a sweet treat, I often make these healthy sweet potato brownies for dessert—they’re comforting and not too heavy after a lively main course.

Conclusion

You’ve learned that Garlic Butter Cod Strips with Sweet Chili Lime Sauce is easier than it looks. It’s a forgiving, fast recipe that combines comforting garlic butter with a lively, sweet-tangy sauce—perfect for beginner cooks and anyone craving a cozy dinner. I hope you feel confident to try it, tweak the sauce to your taste, and make it your own. If you want an extra reference for flavor balance or a similar recipe perspective, I found a helpful version online that inspired a few of my tweaks: Garlic Butter Cod Strips With Sweet Chili Lime Sauce | Quick & Zesty …. Give this dish a try on a busy weeknight or when you want something comforting but bright—and then tell me how you made it your own.

FAQs About Garlic Butter Cod Strips with Sweet Chili Lime Sauce

Q1: How long does it take to cook Garlic Butter Cod Strips with Sweet Chili Lime Sauce?
A1: From prep to plate, expect about 15–25 minutes. The actual pan time for cod strips is short—around 2–3 minutes per side—so the recipe is great for quick dinners.

Q2: Can I use frozen fillets for Garlic Butter Cod Strips with Sweet Chili Lime Sauce?
A2: Yes. Thaw frozen cod in the fridge overnight or under cold running water. Pat very dry before seasoning so the strips sear properly and don’t steam.

Q3: How should I store leftovers of Garlic Butter Cod Strips with Sweet Chili Lime Sauce?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven (around 150°C/300°F) or in a skillet with a splash of water to keep them moist. The sauce can be stored separately and reheated gently or served cold.

Q4: Can I make Garlic Butter Cod Strips with Sweet Chili Lime Sauce ahead of time?
A4: Yes. The sauce can be made up to 2 days ahead and refrigerated. Cook the fish just before serving for best texture. If you must cook early, keep the strips lightly tented and reheat briefly in a warm pan.

Q5: What are the best side dishes to serve with Garlic Butter Cod Strips with Sweet Chili Lime Sauce?
A5: This dish pairs well with steamed rice, a light salad, sautéed greens, roasted or mashed potatoes, or simple noodles. Choose a side that balances the bright, sweet sauce—fresh vegetables or grains work well.

Enjoy making this cozy, flavor-packed recipe. It’s one of my favorites for quick, fuss-free dinners that still feel a little special.