Garlic Butter Cod Strips with Cilantro Lime Sauce

Posted on July 23, 2025

Garlic Butter Cod strips with Cilantro Lime Sauce

If you’re looking for a delightful seafood dish that’s both easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, then Garlic Butter Cod Strips with Cilantro Lime Sauce is your answer! This recipe features tender cod fillets cut into strips, sautéed to perfection in a rich garlic butter sauce, and served with a zesty cilantro lime dipping sauce. It’s the perfect meal for a busy weeknight or a special occasion, and it’s sure to impress your family and friends.

The combination of buttery cod and a fresh, tangy sauce is a match made in heaven, creating a delightful contrast that will leave your taste buds dancing. Whether it’s served as an appetizer or a main dish, this recipe has the versatility needed for any meal. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients, making it a healthy choice for those who want to indulge without guilt.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are plenty of reasons to fall in love with Garlic Butter Cod Strips with Cilantro Lime Sauce. First and foremost, the flavors are simply irresistible. The rich, nutty taste of butter paired with the aromatic garlic creates a heavenly coating for the cod. The addition of paprika adds a hint of smokiness, making each bite an explosion of flavor.

Secondly, the cilantro lime sauce is a game-changer. The creamy Greek yogurt base, combined with fresh cilantro and lime juice, provides a refreshing contrast to the savory cod strips. It’s not only a great dip but also works wonderfully as a dressing for salads or drizzled over grains.

The recipe is also incredibly easy to make! In under 30 minutes, you can have a delicious meal on the table. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner in the kitchen, the step-by-step instructions will guide you through the process seamlessly. Additionally, this dish is perfect for meal prep! Cook a batch of cod strips over the weekend, and you’ll have a quick protein option ready to go for lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Lastly, the dish is versatile and can be paired with various sides. Whether you choose to serve it with a fresh salad, steamed vegetables, or a bed of rice, the possibilities are endless. You can even customize the sauce with different herbs or spices to suit your taste preferences.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

Trying Garlic Butter Cod Strips with Cilantro Lime Sauce is not just about enjoying a delicious meal; it’s about experiencing the joy of cooking and sharing great food with loved ones. This dish provides a wonderful opportunity to introduce more seafood into your diet, and cod is an excellent choice due to its mild flavor and flaky texture.

Cod is a lean white fish, making it a healthy protein option that is low in calories and high in nutrients. It’s a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health. Incorporating this dish into your weekly meal rotation can help you maintain a balanced diet while enjoying flavorful meals.

The ease of preparation is another great reason to try this recipe. With simple ingredients and minimal cooking time, you can whip up this delightful dish on a busy weeknight without stress. Plus, if you’re looking to impress guests at your next dinner party, this dish will do the trick without requiring hours in the kitchen.

Finally, the ability to customize the recipe makes it even more appealing. You can experiment with different spices, herbs, or even add a kick of heat with some chili flakes. The cilantro lime sauce can be adjusted to suit your taste, whether you prefer it more tangy or creamy. This flexibility ensures that each time you make the dish, it can feel fresh and new!

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils

To prepare Garlic Butter Cod Strips with Cilantro Lime Sauce, you will need the following ingredients:

Ingredients for the Cod Strips:

  • 1 lb cod fillets, cut into strips
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Lemon wedges, for serving

Ingredients for the Cilantro Lime Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt, to taste

Recommended Utensils:

  • Large skillet
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Spatula or tongs for flipping the fish
  • Measuring spoons
  • Sharp knife for cutting the cod
  • Cutting board

Having the right utensils will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable. Ensure your skillet is large enough to accommodate the cod strips without overcrowding, allowing for even cooking.

Detailed Recipe Steps

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to dive into the cooking process. Follow these detailed steps to create your Garlic Butter Cod Strips with Cilantro Lime Sauce:

Step 1: Prepare the Cilantro Lime Sauce

  1. In a small mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped), juice of 1 lime, and 1 clove garlic (minced).
  2. Mix well until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Adjust the salt to taste, then cover and set aside in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the cod.

Step 2: Cook the Cod Strips

  1. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add 4 tablespoons unsalted butter to the skillet and let it melt. Once melted, stir in the 4 cloves minced garlic and 1 teaspoon paprika. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, but be careful not to burn the garlic.
  3. Season the cod strips with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Carefully place the cod strips in the skillet, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for approximately 3-4 minutes on each side or until the fish is golden brown and flakes easily with a fork. Use a spatula or tongs to flip the cod gently.

Step 3: Serve

  1. Once cooked, remove the cod strips from the skillet and place them on a serving plate.
  2. Serve the cod strips hot with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top and a generous drizzle of cilantro lime sauce on the side for dipping.

For a perfect presentation, consider garnishing with additional cilantro or lime slices. Enjoy your delicious meal!

FAQs

Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen cod; just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Pat it dry to remove excess moisture for better searing.

What sides pair well with Garlic Butter Cod Strips?

This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh salad, steamed vegetables, or even over a bed of rice or quinoa for a complete meal.

Can I make the cilantro lime sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the cilantro lime sauce a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld beautifully.

What can I substitute for Greek yogurt in the sauce?

If you don’t have Greek yogurt, you can use sour cream or a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt for a similar consistency.

How can I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave before serving.

In conclusion, Garlic Butter Cod Strips with Cilantro Lime Sauce is an easy and flavorful dish that brings the taste of the sea right to your table. Its simplicity, combined with the rich flavors of garlic butter and the zesty cilantro lime sauce, makes it a must-try recipe for any seafood lover. Don’t hesitate to share your experience in the comments below, and if you enjoyed this recipe, please share it with your friends and family. Happy cooking!

For more delicious recipes, check out these links: Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders, Teriyaki Salmon Bites.

Also, you can find some amazing food inspiration on Pinterest.

Garlic Butter Cod strips with Cilantro Lime Sauce

Garlic Butter Cod Strips with Cilantro Lime Sauce

Deliciously crispy cod strips sautéed in garlic butter and served with a refreshing cilantro lime sauce.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Mixing Bowl

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb Cod fillets, cut into strips
  • 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves Garlic, minced
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika
  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil
  • for serving Lemon wedges

Cilantro Lime Sauce Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 Lime, juiced
  • 1 clove Garlic, minced
  • to taste Salt

Instructions
 

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, chopped cilantro, lime juice, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt. Mix well until smooth and creamy. Adjust salt to taste, then set aside in the refrigerator to chill.
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the butter and let it melt, then stir in the minced garlic and paprika. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Season the cod strips with salt and pepper. Carefully place the cod strips in the skillet, cooking for approximately 3-4 minutes on each side or until the fish is golden brown and flakes easily with a fork.
  • Once cooked, remove the cod strips from the skillet and place them on a plate. Serve the cod strips hot with lemon wedges and a generous drizzle of cilantro lime sauce on the side.

Notes

For an extra kick, add some cayenne pepper to the garlic butter mixture or serve with additional lime wedges.
Keyword Cilantro Lime Sauce, Cod, seafood

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