Recipe

Garlic Butter Cod Strips with Sweet Chili Lime Sauce

farhanmohla October 18, 2026

If you’re looking for a seafood recipe that’s buttery, flavorful, and just a little sweet and spicy, these Garlic Butter Cod Strips with Sweet Chili Lime Sauce are definitely worth trying!

Honestly, I love recipes that turn simple fish into something that feels special without requiring hours in the kitchen. Cod is mild, tender, and perfect for soaking up a delicious garlic butter sauce. Add sweet chili sauce, a squeeze of fresh lime, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, and you have a dish that’s packed with flavor.

I usually like to season the fish generously before searing it in a hot skillet. That helps create a beautiful golden exterior while keeping the inside moist and flaky. The buttery sauce brings everything together, with a balance of sweetness, tanginess, and a little heat.

Serve these cod strips with rice, roasted vegetables, or crispy potatoes for an easy weeknight dinner that feels restaurant-worthy!

Ingredients

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 25–30 minutes

For the Cod

1½ pounds (680 g) cod fillets, cut into thick strips
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

For the Garlic Butter Sauce

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon lime zest
1 teaspoon soy sauce
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
1 tablespoon water, if needed to thin the sauce

For Garnishing

Fresh lime wedges
Extra chopped parsley or cilantro
Sesame seeds, optional
Additional red pepper flakes, optional

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Prepare the Cod

Pat the cod fillets dry using paper towels. Cut them into thick, evenly sized strips so they cook at approximately the same rate.

In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.

Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the cod, coating all sides gently. Drizzle with olive oil and set aside for about 5 minutes while you prepare the sauce ingredients.

Tip: Drying the fish helps it develop a golden crust instead of releasing too much moisture into the pan.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat.

Add the minced garlic and cook for approximately 30–60 seconds, stirring frequently until fragrant. Avoid browning the garlic because it can develop a bitter taste.

Stir in the sweet chili sauce, lime juice, lime zest, and soy sauce. Add red pepper flakes if you prefer a little extra heat.

Let the sauce simmer gently for 1–2 minutes until everything is combined. If it’s too thick, add a tablespoon of water.

Remove from the heat and stir in the chopped parsley or cilantro.

Step 3: Sear the Cod Strips

Heat a large nonstick or well-seasoned skillet over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of olive oil if needed.

Place the seasoned cod strips in the skillet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary.

Sear for approximately 3–4 minutes on the first side, depending on thickness. Carefully turn each piece and cook for another 2–4 minutes, until the fish is opaque, flakes easily, and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Cod is delicate, so use a thin spatula and turn the pieces gently to keep them intact.

Step 4: Add the Sweet Chili Lime Sauce

Reduce the heat to low. Pour the garlic butter sauce over the cooked cod strips.

Spoon the sauce over the fish so every piece gets coated in that delicious buttery mixture.

Let everything warm together for about 30–60 seconds. Avoid prolonged cooking, as cod can become dry if overcooked.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Transfer the cod strips to a serving plate and drizzle any remaining sauce over the top.

Finish with fresh parsley or cilantro, a sprinkle of sesame seeds if desired, and lime wedges on the side.

Serve immediately while the fish is tender and the garlic butter sauce is warm and glossy.

Cooking Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Cod

1. Choose Fresh or Properly Thawed Cod

Fresh cod or frozen cod that has been fully thawed works well. Pat it dry before seasoning to help achieve a golden exterior.

2. Don’t Overcook the Fish

Cod cooks quickly. Check the thickest pieces with a food thermometer and remove the fish from the heat once it reaches 145°F (63°C).

3. Adjust the Sweetness and Heat

For a sweeter sauce, add a little more sweet chili sauce. For extra tanginess, add more lime juice. If you love spicy food, increase the cayenne or red pepper flakes.

4. Use Fresh Garlic

Fresh minced garlic gives the butter sauce a stronger, more delicious flavor than garlic powder alone.

5. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan

Too many pieces in the skillet can cause the fish to steam rather than sear. Cook in batches for better browning.

6. Handle Cod Gently

Cod flakes easily, especially when cooked. Use a spatula to turn the strips carefully and avoid stirring them roughly once the sauce is added.

7. Make the Sauce Just Before Serving

The garlic butter sauce is best freshly prepared. This keeps the flavors bright and makes it easy to coat the fish while everything is warm.

Serving Suggestions

These Garlic Butter Cod Strips pair beautifully with a variety of simple side dishes.

Steamed jasmine rice: Soaks up the sweet, tangy garlic butter sauce.
Garlic mashed potatoes: A comforting side that complements the buttery fish.
Roasted broccoli: Adds freshness and a slightly crispy texture.
Coconut rice: Brings a subtle sweetness that works well with sweet chili sauce.
Crispy roasted potatoes: Perfect for a hearty family dinner.
Fresh cucumber salad: Provides a cool, refreshing contrast to the spicy sauce.
Noodles: Toss cooked noodles with a little extra sauce for a satisfying meal.

For a lighter option, serve the cod over a bed of fresh greens with lime dressing.

Variations to Try

Air fryer cod strips: Lightly coat the seasoned cod with oil and air-fry at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 8–12 minutes, depending on thickness, turning carefully halfway through. Check that the fish reaches 145°F (63°C). Prepare the sauce separately and drizzle it over the fish before serving.

Extra spicy cod: Add more cayenne pepper, chili flakes, or a little hot sauce to the garlic butter.

Honey garlic version: Add 1 teaspoon of honey if you prefer a slightly sweeter, sticky sauce.

Crispy cod strips: Lightly coat the seasoned fish in flour or panko breadcrumbs before pan-frying. Prepare the sauce separately and drizzle it over the fish just before serving to preserve the crispy coating.

Lemon garlic cod: Replace the lime juice and zest with lemon for a brighter, more traditional citrus flavor.

Nutrition Information

Approximate nutrition per serving, based on 4 servings:

Calories: 320
Protein: 35 g
Carbohydrates: 9 g
Fat: 15 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 650 mg

Nutrition values are estimates and vary according to the size of the cod portions, sweet chili sauce, butter, and other ingredients used. Serving the fish with rice or potatoes will increase the total calories and carbohydrates.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?

Yes! Frozen cod works very well. Thaw it completely in the refrigerator, then pat it dry with paper towels before seasoning. Removing excess moisture helps the fish sear properly.

2. How do I know when cod strips are cooked?

The fish should look opaque and separate easily into flakes with a fork. For food safety, check the thickest piece with a food thermometer and make sure it reaches 145°F (63°C).

3. Can I bake the cod instead of pan-searing it?

Absolutely. Arrange the seasoned cod strips in a lightly greased baking dish and bake at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 10–15 minutes, depending on thickness. Check for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Prepare the sauce separately and spoon it over the fish after baking.

4. Can I make the garlic butter sauce ahead of time?

Yes. You can prepare the sauce a few hours ahead and refrigerate it in a covered container. Reheat it gently over low heat, stirring until smooth. Add a small splash of water if needed, and toss with freshly cooked cod just before serving.

5. How should I store leftover garlic butter cod?

Place leftover cod in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours. Use within 3–4 days and reheat gently until thoroughly hot. Keep in mind that cod is delicate, so reheating it slowly helps prevent it from drying out. For the best flavor and texture, enjoy it freshly cooked.