Sweet Chili Lime Garlic Butter Cod

If you love cod that’s flaky inside with a glossy, buttery sauce, this sweet chili lime version might earn a regular spot at the dinner table. The combination of garlic, lime, and just a little heat gives this easy seafood dinner plenty of flavor without making it complicated, all ready in just 20 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Sweet, tangy, and a little spicy. Sweet chili sauce, lime, and optional sriracha create a balanced, flavorful glaze.
• That garlic butter finish. Melted right into the pan, it adds richness alongside the bright glaze.
• Ready in 20 minutes. A fast, flaky fish dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
• Simple technique. Sear, glaze, and serve, no complicated steps required.

Ingredients

For the Cod

• 1 lb cod fillets, cut into 4 even pieces
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tbsp neutral oil, such as avocado, canola, or vegetable oil

For the Sweet Chili Lime Glaze

• ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
• 1½ tbsp fresh lime juice
• 1 tsp finely grated lime zest
• 1 tsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp sriracha, optional

For the Garlic Butter Finish

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Lime wedges, for serving

How to Make Sweet Chili Lime Garlic Butter Cod

1. Season the cod. Pat the cod very dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Let the cod rest for about 5 minutes while you prepare the glaze.

2. Mix the sweet chili lime glaze. Whisk together the sweet chili sauce, lime juice, lime zest, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sriracha, if using.

3. Sear the cod. Heat the neutral oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cod in a single layer and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on the first side until lightly golden.

4. Flip and continue cooking. Carefully flip the cod and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, until almost cooked through. Adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the thickness of the cod fillets.

5. Add the garlic butter. Reduce the heat to low. Add the butter around the cod and let it melt. Stir the minced garlic into the butter and cook for 20 to 30 seconds until fragrant. Spoon some of the garlic butter over the cod.

6. Glaze the cod. Pour the sweet chili lime glaze around the cod. Spoon the glossy sauce over each fillet for 30 to 60 seconds, until the cod is fully cooked, opaque, and flakes easily with a fork.

7. Finish and serve. Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the cod with fresh parsley. Serve immediately with lime wedges and plenty of the sweet chili garlic butter sauce spooned over the top.

Tips for the Best Sweet Chili Lime Cod

• Pat the cod very dry before seasoning. This helps it develop a nice golden sear instead of steaming in the pan.
• Don’t flip too early. Let the first side cook undisturbed until golden before turning.
• Keep the heat low when adding the garlic butter. This prevents the garlic from burning and turning bitter.
• Adjust the sriracha to taste. It’s optional, so you can leave it out for a milder dish or add extra for more heat.

What to Serve with Sweet Chili Lime Cod

This dish pairs well with steamed rice or noodles to soak up the glossy sauce. A simple side of steamed vegetables also rounds out the meal nicely.

Frequently Asked Questions