Garlic Butter Cod Strips with Sweet Chili Lime Sauce – Crispy, Zesty, and Totally Irresistible!

 

Garlic Butter Cod Strips with Sweet Chili Lime Sauce – Crispy, Zesty, and Totally Irresistible!

If you’re looking for a dinner that’s fast, flavorful, and guaranteed to impress, these Garlic Butter Cod Strips with Sweet Chili Lime Sauce are about to become your new go-to. Crispy on the outside, buttery and flaky on the inside, and finished with a tangy-sweet drizzle—this dish hits every craving at once.

Perfect for weeknight meals, party platters, or anytime you want restaurant-worthy seafood at home!

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⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy and golden without deep frying

• Flaky cod strips that melt in your mouth

• A bright, zesty sauce that balances sweet, spicy, and tangy

• Ready in under 20 minutes

• Kid-friendly, crowd-friendly, everyone-friendly

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🍽️ Ingredients

For the Cod Strips

• 1 lb fresh cod fillets, cut into strips

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp paprika

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp sea salt

• ½ cup seasoned breadcrumbs (or panko for extra crunch)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Sweet Chili Lime Sauce

• ¼ cup sweet chili sauce

• 1 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)

• ½ tsp lime zest

• 1 tsp honey (optional for extra sweetness)

• ½ tsp soy sauce (for depth)

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🔥 How to Make It

1. Prep the Cod

Pat the cod dry—this is the key to crisping. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.

2. Make the Garlic Butter

Melt butter in a small pan and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Toss the cod strips gently in the garlic butter to coat every piece.

3. Add the Crunch

Roll the butter-coated cod strips in breadcrumbs or panko.
This creates that irresistible crispy layer once cooked.

4. Pan-Sear to Perfection

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high.
Cook the cod strips for 2–3 minutes per side until golden, crisp, and flaky.

5. Mix the Sweet Chili Lime Sauce

Whisk together sweet chili sauce, lime juice, lime zest, honey, and soy sauce.
Taste and adjust—more lime for tang, more honey for sweetness, more chili for heat.

6. Assemble

Drizzle the sauce generously over the hot cod strips or serve it on the side for dipping.

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🌶️ Flavor Tips & Variations

• Add a pinch of red chili flakes for extra heat.

• Swap cod for tilapia, haddock, or halibut—all work beautifully.

• Use air fryer mode: cook at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes.

• Add chopped cilantro or green onions for a fresh finish.

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🍴 Serving Ideas

These cod strips pair perfectly with:

• Coconut rice or jasmine rice

• Fresh mango salsa

• A crisp cabbage slaw

• Roasted veggies or air-fried fries

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✨ Final Thoughts

These Garlic Butter Cod Strips with Sweet Chili Lime Sauce deliver the perfect fusion of crunch, heat, sweetness, and citrusy brightness. They’re easy enough for busy nights yet impressive enough to serve guests. One bite, and you’ll understand why they’re totally irresistible!