Pan-Seared Cod with Creamy Coconut Lime Sauce

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-11 · Updated 2026-06-11

How this recipe was made — this recipe was drafted by AislePrompt's AI-assisted pipeline from technique templates and USDA-sourced nutrition data, and published by AislePrompt Editorial — see how AislePrompt recipes are developed and reviewed.

Tender cod fillets pan-seared to golden perfection, served with a tangy coconut lime sauce that balances richness with zesty brightness. This Caribbean-inspired seafood recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, pairs cod fillets, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 280 cal/serving

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Ingredients

4 pieces, 6 oz each cod fillets
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
3 tbsp olive oil
1 cup coconut milk
2 tbsp lime juice
3, minced garlic cloves
2 tbsp, chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 tsp red chili flakes
2, sliced for garnish scallions

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Instructions

Step 1: Pat dry 4 cod fillets and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Step 2: Place the cod fillets skin-side down and cook for 4 minutes until the edges are crispy and golden, then flip and cook an additional 3 minutes until opaque and cooked through. Remove from skillet and keep warm.
Step 3: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 3 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Pour in 1 cup coconut milk and 2 tbsp lime juice, stirring to combine.
Step 4: Add 1/4 tsp red chili flakes and simmer the sauce gently for 4-5 minutes until it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
Step 5: Stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, then spoon the sauce over the cooked cod fillets. Garnish with 2 sliced scallions before serving.