Roasted Chili-Lime Cod Recipe
Introduction
This Roasted Chili-Lime Cod recipe delivers a perfect balance of zesty, spicy, and fresh flavors that brighten up tender white fish. It’s quick to prepare and ideal for a healthy weeknight dinner or a casual dinner party.

Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Zest and juice of 2 limes
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to create the ideal environment for roasting the cod.
- Step 2: Pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, helping them roast evenly.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, chili powder, paprika, lime zest, lime juice, salt, and black pepper to make the chili-lime marinade.
- Step 4: Place the cod fillets in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the fish, coating all sides thoroughly. Let it marinate for about 15 minutes at room temperature to infuse the flavors.
- Step 5: Line a baking dish with parchment paper and transfer the marinated fillets to it. Roast in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Monitor them closely as cooking times can vary by thickness.
- Step 6: Remove the cod from the oven, garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, and serve alongside lime wedges for an extra burst of citrus.
- Step 7: Enjoy your Roasted Chili-Lime Cod hot, ideally paired with rice, quinoa, or a crisp side salad for a complete meal.
Tips & Variations
- For additional heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade.
- Use fresh chili flakes instead of chili powder for a more textured spice.
- If cod is unavailable, try halibut or haddock as suitable substitutes.
- Marinate the fish for up to 30 minutes if you want stronger flavors, but avoid longer to prevent the lime juice from “cooking” the fish.
Storage
Store any leftover roasted cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave to prevent drying out. The fish is best enjoyed fresh but can also be served cold in salads or tacos.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I grill the cod instead of roasting?
Yes, you can grill the marinated cod on medium heat for about 4–5 minutes per side, until it flakes easily. Use a grill basket or foil to prevent sticking.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely. The cod keeps well in the fridge for a couple of days and pairs nicely with various grains and veggies, making it a convenient and flavorful meal prep option.
PrintRoasted Chili-Lime Cod Recipe
This Roasted Chili-Lime Cod recipe features tender, flaky cod fillets marinated in a zesty chili-lime mixture with garlic and spices, then roasted to perfection. It’s a quick, flavorful dish perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, offering a vibrant combination of tangy lime and smoky chili flavors complemented by fresh cilantro garnish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 32-35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Fish
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces each)
Marinade
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Zest and juice of 2 limes
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Garnish and Serving
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for roasting the cod evenly.
- Prepare the Cod: Pat the cod fillets dry using paper towels to remove any excess moisture, which helps in achieving a nice roast and flaky texture.
- Create the Chili-Lime Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, chili powder, paprika, lime zest, lime juice, salt, and black pepper until fully combined to form a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Cod: Place the cod fillets in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag and pour the chili-lime marinade over them. Make sure the fillets are well coated and let them marinate for about 15 minutes at room temperature to absorb the flavors.
- Roast the Cod: Line a baking dish with parchment paper and transfer the marinated cod fillets onto it. Roast in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish becomes opaque and flakes easily with a fork, adjusting time based on fillet thickness.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the cod from the oven and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for extra zest.
- Enjoy: Serve hot, ideally paired with rice, quinoa, or a simple side salad to complement the bright, smoky flavors of the cod.
Notes
- Ensure the cod fillets are similar in thickness for even cooking.
- Adjust chili powder quantity to your preferred spice level.
- Use fresh lime juice and zest for best flavor.
- Do not overcook the cod to keep it moist and tender.
- This recipe can be doubled easily for larger groups.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.
Keywords: roasted cod, chili lime cod, roasted fish, healthy cod recipe, easy seafood dinner, baked cod, chili lime marinade

