Garlic Butter Cod Strips with Sweet Chili Lime Sauce

There’s something magical about the combination of buttery, flaky fish and a punchy sweet-and-tangy sauce that makes your taste buds do a happy dance. This Garlic Butter Cod Strips with Sweet Chili Lime Sauce recipe is exactly that kind of magic—quick enough for a weeknight dinner, but impressive enough to serve when you want to wow someone special.

The best part? You’re looking at about 20 minutes from start to finish. The cod gets beautifully golden and tender in a pool of garlicky butter, while the sweet chili lime sauce adds that perfect kick of brightness and heat. It’s comfort food that doesn’t feel heavy, and it’s versatile enough to serve a dozen different ways.

Whether you’re craving fish tacos, need a protein to top your rice bowl, or just want something different from the usual chicken routine, this recipe has your back.

What Makes This Recipe Special

Cod is one of those underrated heroes in the seafood world. It’s mild, affordable, and incredibly forgiving to cook. Unlike some fish that can turn rubbery or dry in seconds, cod has a naturally moist texture that stays tender even if you’re not a seafoned pro in the kitchen.

The garlic butter treatment elevates the fish without overpowering its delicate flavor. Meanwhile, the sweet chili lime sauce brings a restaurant-quality finish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. The combination of sweet, tangy, savory, and just a hint of heat creates a flavor profile that’s genuinely addictive.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cod

• 500g cod fillets, cut into strips (about 1 inch thick)
• 3 tbsp butter (salted or unsalted works)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp paprika (smoked paprika works beautifully too)
• Juice of ½ lime
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Sweet Chili Lime Sauce

• 4 tbsp sweet chili sauce (store-bought is perfect)
• Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tbsp)
• 1 tsp honey (optional, but adds a lovely depth)
• 1 tsp soy sauce or fish sauce (optional, for umami richness)
• 1 tsp finely grated garlic or fresh ginger (optional, for extra zing)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Cod

Start by patting your cod fillets completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial—excess moisture prevents that beautiful golden crust from forming. Once dry, cut the fillets into strips about 1 inch wide. Think fish stick size, but way more sophisticated.

Season both sides of each strip generously with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Squeeze the juice of half a lime over the fish and let it sit for just a minute while you prep everything else. The lime juice adds brightness and helps the seasonings stick to the fish.

Cook the Cod to Perfection

Heat your olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium heat. Don’t rush this part—you want the butter to melt and start foaming gently, but not burn. Once the butter is fragrant and sizzling, toss in your minced garlic.

Let that garlic cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells absolutely incredible. This is when the magic starts happening.

Carefully lay your cod strips in the pan, making sure not to overcrowd them. If your pan isn’t big enough, work in batches—overcrowding leads to steaming instead of that gorgeous golden sear you’re after.

Cook the cod for 2-3 minutes on the first side without moving it around. You want a nice golden-brown crust to develop. Flip each strip carefully and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side. The fish should flake easily with a fork when it’s done, and the inside should be opaque and tender.

Whip Up the Sauce

While your cod is cooking (or right before), mix up your sauce in a small bowl. Combine the sweet chili sauce, lime juice, honey, soy or fish sauce, and your choice of grated garlic or ginger. Whisk it all together until smooth.

Taste it and adjust to your preference. Want it sweeter? Add a touch more honey. Love tang? Squeeze in more lime. Craving heat? This is your chance to add some chili flakes or a dash of sriracha.

Bring It All Together

Once your cod is perfectly cooked, remove it from the heat. You can either drizzle the sweet chili lime sauce directly over the fish or serve it on the side for dipping—both ways are delicious.

Don’t forget to spoon some of that leftover garlic butter from the pan over your cod strips. That buttery, garlicky goodness is liquid gold, and wasting it would be a crime.

Finish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or parsley if you have it on hand. The fresh herbs add a pop of color and a burst of freshness that ties everything together beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

This cod is incredibly versatile. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve it:

Over Rice: Steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice makes a perfect bed for these strips. The sauce mingles with the rice, and every bite is pure comfort.

With Fries: Crispy fries or potato wedges turn this into a gourmet fish and chips situation. Add some lemon wedges and tartar sauce on the side for the full experience.

In Tacos: Warm corn or flour tortillas, topped with these cod strips, shredded cabbage slaw, sliced avocado, and extra sauce. Taco Tuesday just got a serious upgrade.

With Vegetables: Serve alongside grilled or roasted vegetables like asparagus, bell peppers, or zucchini for a lighter, veggie-forward meal.

In a Grain Bowl: Layer quinoa or brown rice with mixed greens, cucumber, shredded carrots, and these cod strips. Drizzle everything with the sauce for a healthy bowl situation.

Pro Tips for Success

Don’t Overcook: Cod cooks fast. The moment it turns opaque and flakes easily, it’s done. Overcooked fish becomes dry and rubbery, so keep a close eye on it.

Pat It Dry: Seriously, this makes all the difference. Wet fish won’t develop that golden crust you’re looking for.

Use Fresh Lime: Bottled lime juice just doesn’t hit the same. Fresh-squeezed lime gives you that bright, zesty flavor that makes this sauce sing.

Control the Heat: If you love spicy food, add red pepper flakes to the sauce or sprinkle them over the finished dish. Start with a pinch and add more to taste.

Make It Your Own: This recipe is a fantastic base for customization. Try different spices in the coating (cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder), or swap the sweet chili sauce for a mango habanero sauce or even a teriyaki glaze.

Butter Quality Matters: Since butter is a star ingredient here, using good-quality butter will genuinely improve the flavor. If you have access to European-style butter or grass-fed butter, this is the time to use it.

Storage and Meal Prep

Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 2 days in an airtight container. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 300°F to avoid drying out the fish. The microwave works in a pinch, but use 50% power and heat in short bursts.

The sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before using.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Butter Cod with Sweet Chili Lime Sauce proves that restaurant-quality fish doesn’t require complicated techniques or hours in the kitchen. With simple, fresh ingredients and about 20 minutes of your time, you can create something that tastes like it came from a coastal bistro.

The tender, buttery cod paired with that tangy-sweet sauce is a combination you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or hosting friends, this recipe delivers every single time.