This Easy Chilli Lime Fish is a wonderful dish that brings a kick of flavor to your busy weeknights. It’s quick to make with fresh fish, zesty lime, and a touch of spice!
I love how it takes just 20 minutes to whip up this tasty meal. Pair it with rice or a simple salad for a satisfying dinner after a long day. Can’t go wrong with that! đź‘Ť
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
White Fish Fillets: Cod, tilapia, and haddock are great picks for this recipe. If you’re looking for alternatives, you could use salmon, snapper, or even shrimp! Each fish has its own character, so choose based on what you love.
Red Chillies: I suggest fresh red chillies for a vibrant kick. However, if you prefer less heat, use mild jalapeños or even a pinch of red pepper flakes. The spice levels can easily be adjusted to your taste!
Lime: Fresh lime juice adds that zesty brightness. If limes aren’t handy, you can use lemon juice or bottled lime juice, but fresh is always best for that fresh flavor!
Ground Cumin: Cumin gives a warm, earthy flavor. If you don’t have cumin, you can substitute with paprika or coriander for a different but tasty twist.
How Do I Ensure My Fish Flakes Perfectly?
Cooking fish just right can be tricky. To ensure that your fish flakes perfectly, remember these tips:
- Cook on medium-high heat to get a nice sear without overcooking.
- Time it right—3-4 minutes per side is usually enough, but check for doneness when the fish turns opaque.
- Let it rest for a minute after cooking. This helps keep it tender.
With these tips, you’ll have beautifully cooked fish every time! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Easy Chilli Lime Fish
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 white fish fillets (such as cod, tilapia, or haddock), about 150-200g each
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lime, juiced and zested
- 1-2 red chillies, deseeded and finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh coriander (cilantro) leaves, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Chilli Lime Fish recipe only takes about 20 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend about 10 minutes marinating the fish and then just 10 minutes cooking it. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something quick and tasty!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, lime juice and zest, chopped chillies, minced garlic, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix it all together until well combined, creating a flavorful marinade.
2. Marinate the Fish:
Place the fish fillets in a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the fish and turn the fillets to ensure they are evenly coated. Let the fish marinate for about 10 minutes to soak up all those delicious flavors.
3. Cook the Fish:
While the fish is marinating, heat a non-stick skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated fish fillets to the pan. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, depending on the thickness of the fillets, until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the cooked fish from the pan and transfer it to serving plates. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve with lime wedges on the side. Enjoy your easy, flavorful Chilli Lime Fish with a side of steamed rice, salad, or your favorite veggies for a quick and healthy weeknight meal!
FAQ for Easy Chilli Lime Fish Recipe
Can I Use Frozen Fish Fillets for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen fish fillets! Make sure to thaw them completely before marinating. The best way is to leave them in the fridge overnight or submerge them in a sealed plastic bag in cold water for about 30 minutes.
How Can I Make This Dish Less Spicy?
If you want to reduce the heat, try using fewer red chillies or even omitting them altogether. You can also replace fresh chillies with a pinch of mild paprika for flavor without the spice!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat or microwave, adding a splash of water or lemon juice to keep the fish moist.
Can I Substitute Other Proteins?
Absolutely! This marinade works well with shrimp, scallops, or even chicken. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly—shrimp will cook in about 2-3 minutes per side, and chicken will need longer.
