Description
Coconut lime fish delights seafood enthusiasts with its tropical Caribbean-inspired blend of crispy coconut-crusted fish and zesty avocado salsa. Refreshing cilantro and tangy lime elevate this quick 30-minute meal, promising you a delicious escape to island flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Fish Ingredients:
- 4 white fish fillets (cod, tilapia, or snapper)
Marinade and Seasoning:
- 1/2 cup creamy coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lime zest
- 2 lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Garnish and Seasoning:
- Salt (to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Create a vibrant marinade by whisking lime zest, lime juice, coconut milk, olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish.
- Submerge fish fillets completely in the marinade, ensuring even coating. Refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to infuse flavors.
- Prepare avocado salsa by gently mixing diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, lime juice, salt, pepper, and chopped cilantro in a bowl. Let ingredients mingle while fish cooks.
- Warm a large skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes.
- Remove fish from marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off.
- Place fish fillets in hot skillet, cooking 3-4 minutes per side until fish turns opaque and easily flakes with a fork.
- Transfer cooked fish to serving plates, generously topping each fillet with prepared avocado salsa.
- Garnish with additional chopped cilantro and serve alongside fresh lime wedges for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
Notes
- Swap fish types effortlessly by choosing firm white fish like halibut, cod, or mahi-mahi that hold up well during cooking.
- Reduce marinating time to 10 minutes for delicate fish to prevent texture breakdown and maintain tenderness.
- Create dairy-free version by using full-fat coconut milk and ensuring all ingredients are plant-based compatible.
- Elevate heat tolerance by adjusting red pepper flakes quantity or substituting with mild jalapeño for controlled spiciness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Caribbean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 265 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg