Coconut Lime Fish with Lemon Garlic Sauce
Serves: 4
A light and vibrant dish featuring tender fish fillets cooked in a fragrant coconut lime sauce, and finished with a zesty lemon garlic sauce. This dish combines the tropical flavors of coconut and lime with the bright acidity of lemon, making it a refreshing and delicious seafood meal.
Ingredients
For the Fish:
4 white fish fillets (such as cod, tilapia, or halibut)
1 tablespoon olive oil or coconut oil
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1/2 cup coconut milk (full-fat for creaminess)
Juice and zest of 1 lime
1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
For the Lemon Garlic Sauce:
2 tablespoons butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
Juice of 1 lemon
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon honey (optional, for sweetness)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare the Fish:
Season the fish fillets with salt and pepper on both sides.
Heat the olive oil or coconut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the fish fillets and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. The fish should easily flake with a fork.
Remove the fish from the skillet and set aside.
2. Make the Coconut Lime Sauce:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium.
Add the coconut milk, lime juice, and lime zest to the pan, stirring to combine with any drippings from the fish.
Allow the sauce to simmer for 3-4 minutes, until slightly thickened.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
3. Prepare the Lemon Garlic Sauce:
In a separate small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant and golden (be careful not to burn the garlic).
Stir in the lemon juice, olive oil, and honey (if using). Simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to meld together.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve:
Place the cooked fish fillets on plates.
Spoon the coconut lime sauce over the fish.
Drizzle the lemon garlic sauce on top for extra flavor.
Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side.
Tips
Substitute the Fish: You can use any firm white fish, such as mahi-mahi, snapper, or trout, depending on availability.
Add Vegetables: Serve the fish with sautéed vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or roasted broccoli for a complete meal.
Serve with Sides: This dish pairs beautifully with rice, quinoa, or a fresh green salad.
Make it Spicy: For some heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped fresh chilies to the lemon garlic sauce.
This Coconut Lime Fish with Lemon Garlic Sauce is a light, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that brings together bright citrusy flavors and a creamy coconut base, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion!