Spicy Honey Cod Strips with Cool Cucumber Ranch

If you’re looking for a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines sweet and spicy flavors, then Spicy Honey Cod Strips with Cool Cucumber Ranch is the perfect recipe for you! This dish beautifully marries the delicate taste of cod with an irresistible honey-based marinade, creating a delightful experience for your taste buds. The crunchy, golden cod strips are complemented by a refreshing cucumber ranch dip, making it a fantastic option for dinner, a party appetizer, or a game-day snack.

Not only is this recipe simple to prepare, but it also offers a balance of flavors that everyone will enjoy. The sweetness of honey and the heat of sriracha create a perfect harmony, while the cool cucumber ranch dip offers a refreshing contrast. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is approachable and yields delicious results. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this dish and how to prepare it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One of the standout features of Spicy Honey Cod Strips with Cool Cucumber Ranch is its incredible flavor profile. The marinade is a delightful combination of honey, soy sauce, and sriracha, which not only enhances the natural taste of the cod but also adds an exciting kick. This dish is ideal for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their meals without overwhelming their palate. You can adjust the amount of sriracha based on your spice tolerance, making it versatile for everyone in the family.

Moreover, the crunchy texture of the panko breadcrumbs provides a satisfying contrast to the tender fish. This combination ensures that each bite is packed with flavor and texture, making it hard to resist reaching for another piece. The accompanying cool cucumber ranch dip is a game-changer; it not only complements the spicy cod but also refreshes your palate with every dip. This balance of flavors and textures is what makes this dish a must-try.

Another reason to love this recipe is its nutritional value. Cod is a lean source of protein, making it an excellent choice for those looking to maintain a healthy diet. It’s low in calories and high in nutrients, making it a guilt-free indulgence. Paired with the cooling ranch, which includes fresh cucumbers and herbs, you get a well-rounded meal that feels indulgent without the extra calories. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies!

Why You Should Try This Recipe

This recipe is not just about flavor; it’s also about convenience. With a preparation time of just 15 minutes and a cooking time of about 10 minutes, you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights or unexpected guests. The simplicity of the preparation means that you can focus on enjoying the cooking process rather than stressing over complicated steps.

Additionally, the Spicy Honey Cod Strips with Cool Cucumber Ranch can be served in various ways. Whether you want to plate it elegantly for a dinner party or serve it casually as finger food during a game night, this dish fits the bill. You can also easily double the recipe for larger gatherings or meal prep for the week ahead. The leftovers, if there are any, can be enjoyed cold or reheated, making it a versatile dish.

Finally, this recipe is an excellent opportunity to explore the flavors of honey and sriracha if you haven’t already. Honey brings a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with savory elements, while sriracha adds just the right amount of heat. If you love experimenting with flavors, this dish will inspire you to try new combinations in your cooking adventures.

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils

To create these delectable Spicy Honey Cod Strips with Cool Cucumber Ranch, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Spicy Honey Cod Strips:

• 1 lb cod fillets, cut into strips
• 1/2 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko recommended)
• Oil for frying

For the Cool Cucumber Ranch:

• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 small cucumber, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Necessary Utensils:

• Medium mixing bowl
• Shallow dish for breadcrumbs
• Frying pan
• Spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Paper towels (for draining)

With these ingredients and utensils on hand, you are well-equipped to make this outstanding dish. The combination of fresh ingredients and simple tools makes it easy to whip up this recipe in your kitchen.

Detailed Recipe Steps

Now that you have all the ingredients ready, let’s walk through the detailed steps to make Spicy Honey Cod Strips with Cool Cucumber Ranch:

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, sriracha, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This marinade will infuse the cod with incredible flavor.
2. Marinate the Cod: Add the cod strips to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour. The longer you marinate, the more flavorful your cod will be.
3. Prepare the Breadcrumbs: While the cod is marinating, place the breadcrumbs in a shallow dish. This is where you will coat the cod before frying.
4. Heat the Oil: In a frying pan, heat enough oil over medium heat to cover the bottom of the pan. You want it hot enough for frying but not smoking.
5. Coat the Cod: After marinating, remove the cod strips from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Take each strip and coat it in the breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to ensure they stick.
6. Fry the Cod: Carefully place the coated cod strips in the hot oil, frying them in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Use a spatula to flip them gently.
7. Drain on Paper Towels: Once cooked, remove the cod from the pan and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. This will keep them crispy.

While the cod is frying, you can prepare the Cool Cucumber Ranch:

1. Mix the Base: In a mixing bowl, combine the sour cream and mayonnaise. Stir until smooth.
2. Add the Flavor: Mix in the finely chopped cucumber, dill, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
3. Chill: Let the ranch dip chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Now you’re ready to serve your delicious Spicy Honey Cod Strips with Cool Cucumber Ranch! Arrange the cod strips on a platter and serve the ranch dip on the side for dipping. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors!

FAQs

Conclusion

In summary, the Spicy Honey Cod Strips with Cool Cucumber Ranch is a delightful recipe that combines sweet, spicy, and refreshing flavors, making it a versatile dish for any occasion. With its simple preparation and delicious results, it’s a must-try for anyone looking to spice up their meal rotation. Don’t forget to share your experience in the comments below and let your friends know about this amazing recipe!

Looking for more delicious ideas? Check out these recipes: Crispy Chicken Meatballs with Honey Mustard Dip and Spicy Beef Bites with Soy Ginger Dipping Sauce. You can also explore more options on Pinterest for inspiration: Pinterest.

Spicy Honey Cod Strips with Cool Cucumber Ranch

Deliciously crispy cod strips marinated in a spicy honey sauce, served with a refreshing cool cucumber ranch for dipping.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 1 hour hr

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

• Frying Pan
• Mixing Bowl

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb Cod fillets, cut into strips
• 1/2 cup Honey
• 2 tablespoons Soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Sriracha Adjust to taste
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1 cup Breadcrumbs (panko recommended)
• Oil for frying As needed

Cool Cucumber Ranch Ingredients

• 1/2 cup Sour cream
• 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
• 1 Small cucumber, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon Fresh dill, chopped Or 1 teaspoon dried dill
• 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
• 1 clove Garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

 

Instructions

• In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, sriracha, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
• Add the cod strips to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour.
• Prepare the breadcrumbs in a shallow dish.
• Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
• Remove the cod from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off, then coat each strip in breadcrumbs.
• Fry the cod strips in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side.
• Remove from the pan and drain on paper towels.
• In a mixing bowl, combine sour cream and mayonnaise until smooth.
• Stir in the chopped cucumber, dill, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
• Mix well and adjust seasoning to taste. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving.
• Serve the spicy honey cod strips with the cool cucumber ranch on the side for dipping. Enjoy your meal!

Notes

Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more or less sriracha. Serve with a side of fresh salad for a complete meal.

Keyword Cod, honey, seafood, spicy