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A Taste of Coastal Spain in Your Kitchen Recipe

A Taste of Coastal Spain in Your Kitchen Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 11 reviews

Coconut Lime Fish with Garlic Butter is a vibrant and luxurious seafood dish featuring mild white fish fillets seared to golden perfection and topped with a creamy, tangy coconut lime garlic butter sauce. The bright lime zest and juice combine with rich coconut milk and garlic butter for a tropical flavor explosion that is both comforting and elegant. Garnished with fresh cilantro, this dish pairs wonderfully with coconut rice, mango salsa, or roasted vegetables, offering a perfect balance of richness and freshness in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Fish:

  • 4 fish fillets (tilapia, cod, halibut, or another mild white fish)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon lime zest
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika

For the Coconut Lime Garlic Butter Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup coconut milk (full-fat canned)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Fish: Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels to help achieve a golden crust. Season each fillet with lime zest, lime juice, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Let the fish marinate at room temperature for about 10 minutes while you prepare the sauce ingredients.
  2. Sear the Fish: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add the fish fillets and cook each side for 3 to 4 minutes, depending on thickness, until golden brown and cooked through—the fish should flake easily with a fork. Remove the fish from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
  3. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat slightly and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Stir in the coconut milk, lime juice, and honey if using. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens slightly. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  4. Combine and Finish: Return the fish fillets to the skillet and gently spoon the sauce over them. Let the fish simmer in the sauce for an additional 1 to 2 minutes so the flavors meld together. Sprinkle generously with chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

Notes

  • Substitute fish like mahi-mahi, snapper, grouper, or salmon if desired.
  • For a dairy-free version, swap butter with coconut oil or vegan butter.
  • Use full-fat canned coconut milk for the richest flavor; avoid drinking coconut milk varieties as they are too thin.
  • Add chili flakes for a spicy kick or swap honey with agave for different sweetness.
  • Make the sauce creamier by adding a tablespoon of heavy cream or Greek yogurt.
  • Serve with coconut or jasmine rice, mango salsa, roasted vegetables, or avocado salad for best results.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 2 days; reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of coconut milk.
  • Freeze cooked fish separately from sauce; thaw in fridge and reheat gently.
  • If you dislike cilantro, substitute with fresh parsley or Thai basil.
  • Grill the fish for about 3 minutes per side as an alternative cooking method, then drizzle sauce on top.

Nutrition

Keywords: coconut lime fish, garlic butter fish, tropical seafood recipe, easy fish recipe, coconut milk fish sauce, lime butter sauce, healthy seafood dinner, tilapia recipe, halibut recipe, cod recipe

Find it online: https://cheflenacooks.com/a-taste-of-coastal-spain-in-your-kitchen-recipe/