Pan-Seared White Fish with Coconut Lime Sauce & Jasmine Rice
This Pan-Seared White Fish with Coconut Lime Sauce is elegant, comforting, and beautifully balanced. Delicate white fish is seared until golden, then finished in a silky coconut-lime sauce that’s lightly citrusy and aromatic (not spicy). Served over fluffy jasmine rice, it’s a restaurant-quality dish that feels light, nourishing, and perfect for a cozy dinner.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 2–3
Ingredients
Fish
2–3 white fish fillets (cod, halibut, tilapia, sea bass)
1½ tbsp olive oil
Salt & black pepper, to taste
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp paprika
Coconut Lime Sauce
1 tbsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves, finely minced
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
1 cup full-fat coconut milk
Zest of 1 lime
2 tbsp fresh lime juice
½ tsp honey or maple syrup
Salt, to taste
To Serve
1½ cups cooked jasmine rice
Fresh cilantro or parsley
Lime wedges
Instructions
1. Cook the Fish
Pat fish dry and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear fish 3–4 minutes per side until golden and just cooked through.
Remove fish from pan and set aside.
2. Make the Coconut Lime Sauce
In the same skillet, lower heat to medium.
Add olive oil/butter and sauté garlic (and ginger if using) for 30 seconds.
Pour in coconut milk, lime zest, lime juice, and honey.
Simmer gently 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
3. Combine
Return fish to the pan and spoon sauce over fillets.
Simmer together 2–3 minutes to absorb flavor.
4. Serve
Spoon fish and sauce over jasmine rice.
Garnish with herbs and extra lime.
Notes & Tips
Use firm white fish so it doesn’t break in the sauce.
Coconut milk should be full-fat for best texture.
Don’t boil the sauce—gentle simmer keeps it silky.
Add steamed greens (spinach, green beans) for extra balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this dish spicy?
No—completely mild and family-friendly.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes—it’s naturally dairy-free.
Can I substitute rice?
Absolutely—serve with quinoa, basmati rice, or cauliflower rice.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 520 kcal
Protein: 34 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fat: 24 g
Omega-3s: Moderate–High