Save Experience the vibrant flavors of Southeast Asia with this elegant Chilli Lime Fish with Cilantro. This dish features flaky, pan-seared white fish fillets finished with a zesty, Thai-inspired sauce that perfectly balances tangy lime, savory fish sauce, and a hint of heat from fresh chillies.
Save What's for Dinner Tonight? 🤔
Stop stressing. Get 10 fast recipes that actually work on busy nights.
Free. No spam. Just easy meals.
The secret to this dish lies in the contrast between the golden-crusted fish and the bright, bubbling sauce. Topped with a generous scattering of crunchy shallots, it delivers a satisfying texture in every bite.
Ingredients
Tired of Takeout? 🥡
Get 10 meals you can make faster than delivery arrives. Seriously.
One email. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
- Fish: 4 skinless white fish fillets (~150 g each), 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper, 2 tbsp rice flour or cornstarch, 2 tbsp vegetable oil.
- Chilli Lime Sauce: 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tbsp soy sauce (gluten-free if needed), 1 tbsp honey or palm sugar, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1–2 sliced red birds eye chillies, 1 tsp grated ginger.
- Garnish: 1/3 cup fresh cilantro, 1/4 cup crispy fried shallots, extra lime wedges.
Instructions
- Preparation
- Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper. Lightly dust with rice flour or cornstarch if you prefer a crispier crust.
- Searing the Fish
- Heat vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the fillets and cook for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a platter and keep warm.
- Making the Sauce
- Whisk together lime juice, fish sauce, soy sauce, honey, garlic, chillies, and ginger in a small bowl. Wipe out the skillet, pour in the sauce, and let it bubble for 1 minute.
- Finishing
- Spoon the hot sauce over the cooked fish and garnish generously with cilantro and crispy shallots. Serve immediately.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For the best results, ensure your skillet is hot before adding the fish to achieve a golden sear. Always pat the fillets completely dry to prevent them from steaming instead of frying. Wiping the pan before adding the sauce prevents any burnt oil from affecting the delicate citrus flavors.
Still Scrolling? You'll Love This 👇
Our best 20-minute dinners in one free pack — tried and tested by thousands.
Trusted by 10,000+ home cooks.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Adjust the heat by removing seeds from the birds eye chillies or using fewer for a milder sauce. If white fish is unavailable, this recipe works beautifully with shrimp or thinly sliced chicken breast. For a truly authentic taste, use palm sugar in place of honey.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this vibrant main dish alongside a bowl of fragrant jasmine rice to soak up the extra sauce. It also pairs wonderfully with steamed seasonal vegetables or a light, crunchy Asian-style slaw for added freshness.
Save This Chilli Lime Fish is a testament to how simple ingredients can create a sophisticated and healthy meal. Enjoy the bright, zesty aromas as you bring this Thai-inspired favorite to your table.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What type of fish works best?
White, flaky fish such as cod, snapper, or tilapia are ideal as they cook quickly and absorb the sauce well.
- → How do I achieve a crispy crust on the fish?
Lightly dust the fillets with rice flour or cornstarch before pan-searing to create a delicate, crispy crust.
- → Can the heat level be adjusted?
Yes, reduce the number of birds eye chillies or remove their seeds to tone down the spice intensity.
- → What are good side dishes to accompany this?
Jasmine rice, steamed vegetables, or a light slaw complement the bright and savory flavors of the fish.
- → How can I make crispy shallots at home?
Thinly slice shallots and fry in oil over medium heat until golden brown, then drain on paper towels to crisp.
