Coconut Lime Fish with Avocado Salsa
A Fresh, Tropical Dinner You’ll Want on Repeat
If you’re looking for a light, flavorful dinner that feels like a tropical vacation on a plate, look no further than this Coconut Lime Fish with Avocado Salsa. It’s bright, creamy, zesty, and refreshingly simple — perfect for warm-weather meals or anytime you need something clean and satisfying.
This dish pairs tender, flaky fish infused with coconut and lime flavors with a vibrant avocado salsa that adds the perfect creamy, citrusy bite. It’s gluten-free, dairy-free, and made in under 30 minutes — making it a weeknight dinner hero that tastes like it took hours.
🌴 Why You’ll Love It
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Tropical flavors without being heavy
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Quick and easy — cooks in under 20 minutes
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Healthy and balanced — packed with protein, healthy fats, and bright veggies
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Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free
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Pairs well with rice, quinoa, or just a big green salad
🐟 Ingredients
For the Coconut Lime Fish:
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4 white fish fillets (tilapia, cod, halibut, or mahi mahi all work well)
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½ cup canned coconut milk (full fat)
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Zest and juice of 1 lime
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1 clove garlic, minced
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1 tbsp olive oil
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Optional: pinch of red chili flakes or fresh chopped chili for a spicy kick
For the Avocado Salsa:
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1 ripe avocado, diced
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½ small red onion, finely chopped
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1 small tomato, diced
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Juice of ½ lime
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1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
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Salt and pepper, to taste
🔥 How to Make It
1. Marinate the Fish (Quickly)
In a shallow bowl or zip-top bag, combine coconut milk, lime juice and zest, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add the fish and let it marinate for 10–15 minutes while you prepare the salsa.
💡 Tip: Don't marinate too long — the acidity of the lime can start to "cook" the fish.
2. Make the Avocado Salsa
In a small bowl, gently combine the diced avocado, tomato, onion, lime juice, cilantro, salt, and pepper. Set aside. This salsa is best fresh, so make it just before serving.
3. Cook the Fish
You can grill, pan-sear, or bake the fish depending on your preference:
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To pan-sear: Heat a bit of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Remove fish from marinade and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through.
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To bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place fish in a baking dish, pour over a bit of the marinade, and bake for 12–15 minutes or until it flakes easily.
4. Assemble and Serve
Plate the fish and spoon the fresh avocado salsa over the top. Garnish with extra lime wedges, chopped cilantro, or a sprinkle of chili flakes if you like.
🍚 What to Serve With Coconut Lime Fish
This dish is super versatile. Serve it with:
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Steamed jasmine or coconut rice
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Cilantro-lime quinoa
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Grilled vegetables
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A fresh green salad with citrus vinaigrette
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Warm tortillas for a taco-style twist
📝 Tips & Substitutions
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No fresh fish? Frozen fillets work great — just thaw before marinating.
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Add crunch: Top with crushed plantain chips or toasted coconut flakes.
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Go dairy-free creamy: Mix a spoonful of coconut yogurt into the salsa for added creaminess.
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Make it spicy: Add diced jalapeño to the salsa or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade.
🌟 Why This Recipe Works
The magic of this dish is in the balance:
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Richness from the coconut milk
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Bright acidity from the lime
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Creamy, cooling texture from the avocado
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Tender, flaky fish that absorbs all those tropical flavors
It’s simple, clean cooking at its best — and it delivers restaurant-level flavor with very little effort.
🐠 Final Thoughts
Coconut Lime Fish with Avocado Salsa is proof that you don’t need a long ingredient list or complicated steps to create a meal that feels special. It’s light yet satisfying, elegant yet easy, and full of vibrant, fresh flavors that are hard to beat.
Whether you're cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this dish will have everyone asking for seconds — and maybe even the recipe.
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