Roasted Chili Lime Cod

Roasted Chili Lime Cod is a bright, zesty, and slightly spicy dish that delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under 30 minutes. Flaky cod fillets are marinated in a punchy mix of lime juice, garlic, olive oil, and chili powder, then roasted to perfection until tender and juicy. It’s a simple, clean, and bold-flavored meal that’s as refreshing as it is satisfying.

This dish is inspired by coastal Latin and Southwestern cuisines, where citrus and spice are staples. The acidity of lime cuts through the richness of the fish, while the chili adds gentle heat and smokiness. It’s the perfect light dinner served over rice, quinoa, or a fresh green salad, and it’s also excellent for meal prep or healthy weeknight cooking.

If you enjoy light yet flavorful meals, you’ll also love Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Chicken and Mozzarella and the rich, creamy Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken.

Credit: Pinterest

Ingredients You Will Need

For the Cod and Marinade:

• 4 cod fillets (5–6 oz each)
  Firm, mild, and flaky—perfect for absorbing bold marinades.
  
• Juice and zest of 2 limes
  Provides brightness and a citrusy punch.
  
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
  Helps coat the fish and promotes browning.
  
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
  Adds a bold, aromatic foundation.
  
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
  Gives mild heat and smokiness.
  
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  Brings earthiness and warmth.
  
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
  Adds subtle sweetness and color.
  
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
  Balances and enhances all the flavors.
  

For Garnish:

• Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
  Adds freshness and color.
  
• Extra lime wedges
  Great for squeezing on just before serving.
  

Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
  
• Marinate Time: 10–15 minutes (optional but recommended)
  
• Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
  
• Total Time: 25–30 minutes
  
• Serves: 4
  

Equipment You’ll Need

• Baking sheet or roasting pan
  
• Parchment paper or foil
  
• Mixing bowl
  
• Microplane or zester
  
• Knife and cutting board
  
• Basting brush (optional)
  

How to Make Roasted Chili Lime Cod: Step-by-Step

1. Prepare the Marinade

In a mixing bowl, whisk together lime juice, lime zest, olive oil, garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. This mixture should smell zesty, garlicky, and slightly smoky.

2. Marinate the Cod

Place cod fillets in a shallow dish or zip-top bag. Pour the marinade over the fish, making sure all sides are well-coated. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes at room temperature. This step adds flavor and helps keep the fish juicy as it roasts.

3. Preheat and Prep the Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Arrange the marinated cod fillets in a single layer on the sheet, and drizzle any remaining marinade on top.

4. Roast the Cod

Place the cod in the oven and roast for 12–15 minutes, depending on thickness. The fish should flake easily with a fork and be opaque all the way through. Do not overcook, as cod dries out quickly.

5. Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven and let rest for a minute or two. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley and serve with lime wedges. This dish pairs beautifully with coconut rice, roasted vegetables, or a crisp cucumber salad.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 280
  
• Protein: 32g
  
• Fat: 14g
  
• Carbohydrates: 4g
  
• Fiber: 1g
  
• Sugar: 1g
  
• Sodium: 360mg
  
• Cholesterol: 85mg
  

Tips and Variations

• Make it Spicier: Add cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade if you like extra heat.
  
• Use Another Fish: This works well with halibut, mahi-mahi, tilapia, or even salmon. Adjust roasting time based on thickness.
  
• Try it on the Grill: Wrap the marinated cod in foil packets and grill for 10–12 minutes for a smoky, outdoor twist.
  
• Add Veggies: Roast the cod on a sheet pan with zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus for a full one-pan meal.
  
• Crispy Top: Broil for the last 1–2 minutes for a slightly caramelized finish.
  

How to Store and Reheat

Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer:
Freeze cooked cod fillets for up to 1 month. Wrap tightly in foil or place in a sealed container.

Reheat:
Reheat in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 8–10 minutes, or gently in the microwave in short bursts with a splash of broth or water to keep it moist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Roasted Chili Lime Cod is everything a weeknight dinner should be—fast, flavorful, and fresh. The bold marinade brings just the right balance of citrus, spice, and aromatics to a mild, flaky white fish, elevating it without overpowering. It’s healthy, satisfying, and feels like something you’d enjoy seaside with a chilled drink in hand.

Whether you’re eating clean, following a low-carb diet, or just want something different from your usual chicken routine, this dish offers a burst of flavor in every bite—and it couldn’t be easier to make.

Final Thoughts

I often turn to this Roasted Chili Lime Cod recipe when I need a vibrant meal that doesn’t weigh me down. The marinade is so simple but deeply flavorful, and roasting the fish makes it practically foolproof. I love serving it with a fresh avocado salad or over a bed of cilantro rice, topped with even more lime for that extra zing.

It’s a recipe that proves you don’t need complicated ingredients or long cooking times to make a memorable meal. Light, flavorful, and super adaptable—it’s the kind of dish that keeps making its way back to my dinner table.

Credit: Pinterest

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen cod?
Yes, just be sure to fully thaw and pat dry before marinating and roasting.

Is this dish very spicy?
It has a mild kick from the chili powder, but you can adjust the heat easily by adding or omitting spices.

Can I cook this in a skillet?
Absolutely—pan-sear over medium heat for 3–4 minutes per side until cooked through.

What sides go best with this?
Cilantro-lime rice, quinoa, grilled corn, or a crunchy cabbage slaw all work beautifully.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Marinate the cod up to 12 hours in advance, then roast when ready. It also keeps well for meal prep.

For another globally-inspired favorite, check out the rich and comforting African Chicken Peanut Stew.