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Garlic Butter Cod Strips

Section: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

This dish features tender cod strips sautéed in rich garlic butter until golden and flaky. Seasoned simply with salt, pepper, and paprika, it is perfectly complemented by a vibrant sweet chili lime sauce infused with soy and sesame oils for a slightly spicy, tangy brightness. Finished with fresh parsley, it creates a quick and elegant seafood main course that balances buttery richness with bold, fresh flavors.

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A woman in a white chef's coat holding a glass of wine.
Provided By Lina
Last updated on Sat, 18 Oct 2025 22:49:13 GMT
A plate of garlic butter cod strips. Bookmark
A plate of garlic butter cod strips. | deliciousrecipeshere.com

These garlic butter cod strips offer a quick and flavorful dinner that feels both special and comforting. The tender, flaky fish cooked in aromatic garlic butter pairs beautifully with a tangy sweet chili lime sauce that adds a bright and slightly spicy contrast. It’s a dish that brings simple pantry ingredients to life with bold flavors and impressive results, perfect for busy nights when you want something elegant without the fuss.

I first made this on a whim craving seafood and was surprised at how quickly it became a family favorite. Now it’s often requested when we want something light but packed with flavor.

Ingredients

  • Cod fillets: Cut into strips choosing fresh firm white fish ensures a tender flaky texture
  • Unsalted butter: Creates a rich base using good quality butter enhances flavor and keeps the taste clean
  • Garlic cloves: Minced provide an essential aromatic punch that infuses the fish
  • Salt and pepper: Serve as basic seasoning to enhance all other flavors
  • Paprika: Adds mild warmth and a lovely color opt for sweet paprika unless you want a spicier kick
  • Fresh parsley: Chopped gives a pop of color and herbal brightness to finish the dish
  • Sweet Chili Lime Sauce Ingredients: Sweet chili sauce lime juice and zest soy sauce sesame oil and sriracha optional

Instructions

Sauté the Garlic:
In a large skillet melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about one minute until fragrant and just starting to brown. This step builds the rich garlic butter base carefully without burning the garlic which would make it bitter.
Season the Cod:
Sprinkle both sides of the cod strips generously with salt pepper and paprika. This simple seasoning transforms the mild cod and adds beautiful color and flavor foundation.
Cook the Cod Strips:
Add the cod strips gently to the skillet and cook without moving them for three to four minutes on each side until the fish turns opaque flaky and is cooked through. The butter and garlic will infuse the fish while cooking creating a tender moist texture.
Prepare the Sweet Chili Lime Sauce:
While the cod cooks whisk together sweet chili sauce lime juice lime zest soy sauce sesame oil and sriracha if you like in a small bowl. This sauce perfectly complements the rich garlic butter cod with a bright fresh tang and a touch of heat.
Serve:
Drizzle the sweet chili lime sauce evenly over the cooked cod strips and sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh finishing touch. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Garlic butter cod strips on a plate.
Garlic butter cod strips on a plate. | deliciousrecipeshere.com

I remember one family dinner when we finished the entire plate quickly even though we had many dishes to choose from. It instantly became our go to easy special meal.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. When reheating warm gently in a skillet or microwave to prevent the cod from drying out and becoming tough.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can’t find fresh cod try other firm white fish such as haddock or pollock. Butter can be swapped for olive oil if you prefer a lighter fat option. Soy sauce may be replaced with tamari for a gluten free alternative that still offers rich umami.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice which soaks up the sauce nicely. A crisp green salad adds refreshing contrast while roasted vegetables like asparagus or snap peas make for a bright healthy side.

Garlic butter cod strips on a plate.
Garlic butter cod strips on a plate. | deliciousrecipeshere.com

These garlic butter cod strips are an elegant and quick weeknight meal. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.

FAQs About This Recipe

→ What type of cod is best for this dish?

Use fresh, firm white cod fillets cut into strips for the best texture and to ensure they hold together during cooking.

→ How do I know when the cod strips are cooked?

The cod will be opaque and flaky, usually cooked through after 3-4 minutes on each side over medium heat.

→ Can the spiciness of the sauce be adjusted?

Yes, adjust the Sriracha amount to your preferred heat level or omit it entirely for a milder sauce.

→ What can I use instead of soy sauce?

Tamari or coconut aminos make great gluten-free alternatives, providing similar umami depth.

→ How should I serve the cod strips?

Serve warm, drizzled with the sweet chili lime sauce and garnished with fresh parsley for brightness.

→ How to prevent garlic butter from burning?

Melt butter over medium heat and cook garlic just until fragrant and lightly browned to avoid bitterness.

Garlic Butter Cod Strips

Flaky cod cooked in garlic butter paired with a zesty sweet chili lime sauce for bright, bold flavors.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cooking Time
10 minutes
Total Time
20 minutes
Provided By: Lina

Recipe Type: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Great for Beginners

Cuisine Inspiration: American fusion

Portion Size: 4 Serving Size

Dietary Preferences: Low-Carb

What You’ll Need

→ Fish

01 1 pound fresh cod fillets, cut into strips

→ Seasonings

02 1 teaspoon salt
03 ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
04 ½ teaspoon sweet paprika

→ Butter Sauce

05 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
06 3 garlic cloves, minced

→ Sweet Chili Lime Sauce

07 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
08 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
09 1 teaspoon lime zest
10 1 tablespoon soy sauce
11 1 teaspoon sesame oil
12 Optional: ½ teaspoon sriracha

→ Garnish

13 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Steps to Make This

Step 01

Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about one minute until fragrant and starting to brown, being careful not to burn.

Step 02

Season both sides of the cod strips evenly with salt, black pepper, and paprika to enhance the natural flavor of the fish.

Step 03

Place the cod strips in the skillet. Cook without stirring for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until the fish is opaque, flaky, and cooked through, allowing the garlic butter to infuse into the fish.

Step 04

In a small bowl, whisk together sweet chili sauce, lime juice, lime zest, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sriracha if using, until fully combined.

Step 05

Drizzle the sweet chili lime sauce over the cooked cod strips. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately for optimal freshness.

Additional Notes

  1. Avoid burning the butter during sautéing to prevent bitterness. Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure even browning. The sauce can be adjusted in spiciness with sriracha according to taste.
  2. Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheated gently to preserve texture.

Tools You’ll Need

  • Large skillet
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Whisk

Allergy Warnings

Always check ingredient labels for allergens, and consult a healthcare provider if needed.
  • Contains fish, soy, and sesame

Nutrition Details (Per Portion)

These details are for informational purposes and aren’t a substitute for professional guidance.
  • Calories: 320.5
  • Fat: 15.7 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 12.4 grams
  • Proteins: 29.2 grams