Zesty Coconut Lime Fish with Avocado Salsa Recipe for Dinner

Tropical flavors dance across this mouthwatering coconut lime fish with avocado salsa that promises a perfect balance of creamy and zesty.

Fresh fish fillets absorb the vibrant marinade, creating a sensational meal bursting with bright, refreshing notes.

Coconut’s subtle sweetness mingles beautifully with tangy lime, infusing each tender bite with Caribbean-inspired charm.

The crisp, cool avocado salsa adds a luxurious richness that complements the delicate fish perfectly.

Bright herbs and a hint of spice elevate this dish from simple to spectacular.

Weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings become extraordinary with this stunning seafood creation.

Prepare to transport your taste buds to a sun-soaked coastal paradise with every delectable forkful.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 3

Everything You’ll Need For Coconut Lime Fish With Avocado Salsa

• Coconut Milk: Creamy base that tenderizes and infuses rich tropical flavor into the fish.
• Lime Juice: Adds bright acidity and helps break down fish proteins for a more delicate texture.
• Lime Zest: Provides intense citrusy aroma and enhances overall freshness of the dish.
• Garlic: Brings depth and robust savory notes to the marinade.
• Cumin: Earthy spice that adds warmth and complexity to the fish flavor.
• Smoked Paprika: Delivers subtle smoky undertones and beautiful reddish color.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance all other flavors.

• Avocado: Creamy, buttery base that adds richness and smooth texture.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Provide sweet, juicy bursts of freshness and vibrant color.
• Red Onion: Offers sharp, crisp bite and beautiful purple-pink accent.
• Cilantro: Brings bright, herbal notes and classic Mexican-inspired flavor.
• Lime Juice: Adds zesty freshness and prevents avocado from browning.

• Olive Oil: Helps create golden, crispy exterior when searing fish.
• Lime Wedges: Fresh garnish for squeezing extra citrus brightness.
• Fresh Cilantro: Adds final herbal sprinkle and aromatic finish.

Tools That’ll Help Nail Coconut Lime Fish With Avocado Salsa

• Mixing Bowl: Essential for whisking marinade and preparing avocado salsa.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending marinade ingredients smoothly.
• Large Skillet: Key for cooking fish with even, golden-brown results.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping avocados, tomatoes, and herbs.
• Sharp Knife: For precise dicing and preparing ingredients.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Helps measure marinade and seasoning ingredients accurately.
• Tongs: Great for carefully flipping fish in the skillet.
• Citrus Zester: Useful for getting fresh lime zest.

Quick Steps To Make Coconut Lime Fish With Avocado Salsa Shine

• Flavor Infusion

Blend coconut milk, zesty lime, aromatic garlic, and warm spices into a silky marinade. Immerse fish fillets in this tropical bath, allowing flavors to dance and meld together in the refrigerator.

• Fresh Salsa Preparation

Chop vibrant avocados, juicy cherry tomatoes, and crisp red onion. Scatter fresh cilantro and squeeze bright lime juice to create a refreshing salsa bursting with color and texture.

• Sizzling Seafood

Heat a skillet until it whispers with energy. Carefully place marinated fish fillets, letting them transform into golden treasures. Cook until edges turn crisp and center becomes tender and flaky.

• Culinary Presentation

Arrange fish on plates like edible artwork. Crown each fillet with a generous cascade of zesty salsa. Scatter additional cilantro and lime wedges for a final flourish of freshness. Complement with fluffy rice or a crisp green salad.

Tips That Take Coconut Lime Fish With Avocado Salsa To The Next Level

• Fish Selection Magic: Choose firm white fish like halibut, mahi-mahi, or sea bass that hold up beautifully during cooking and absorb marinade flavors perfectly.
• Marinade Mastery: For extra flavor infusion, marinate fish for up to 2 hours maximum; longer periods can break down delicate fish proteins and make texture mushy.
• Grilling Alternative: Replace skillet cooking with outdoor grill for smoky char. Use fish grill basket to prevent delicate fillets from falling apart during grilling.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Substitute coconut milk with almond milk or light vegetable broth for those avoiding coconut products while maintaining moisture and flavor profile.
• Spice Level Control: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne to marinade for heat lovers, or keep mild for sensitive palates by reducing spice quantities.

Serve Coconut Lime Fish With Avocado Salsa Like A Chef

• Tropical Beach Picnic Platter: Create a vibrant beach-style spread with the fish as the centerpiece, surrounded by colorful rice, extra salsa, and crisp lime wedges for a vacation-inspired dining experience.
• Taco Night Twist: Transform the fish into delicious soft tacos by flaking the cooked fish and wrapping in warm tortillas, topping with the zesty avocado salsa for a quick and exciting meal variation.
• Light Summer Bowl: Layer fluffy quinoa or cauliflower rice in a bowl, place the coconut lime fish on top, and generously spoon the fresh avocado salsa around the edges for a refreshing and nutritious lunch option.
• Coastal Brunch Delight: Serve the fish alongside poached eggs and a light mixed green salad, using the avocado salsa as a vibrant topping to elevate a weekend breakfast or brunch gathering.

The Best Way To Store Coconut Lime Fish With Avocado Salsa

• Refrigeration Strategy: Store marinated fish and avocado salsa separately in airtight containers for maximum freshness. Keep fish in the coldest part of the refrigerator and consume within 1-2 days for optimal taste and quality.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare avocado salsa up to 4 hours before serving, adding lime juice to prevent browning. Marinate fish no longer than 1 hour to maintain delicate texture and prevent acid breakdown.
• Freezer-Friendly Tip: Raw marinated fish can be frozen flat in sealed bags for up to 3 weeks. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before cooking to retain moisture and flavor integrity.
• Leftover Love: Repurpose remaining fish by flaking into salads, tacos, or grain bowls within 2 days. Quick reheating works best in a skillet with a splash of oil to maintain crispy exterior and prevent drying.

Tropical Coconut Lime Fish With Avocado Salsa Recipe

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4.9 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Coconut lime fish with avocado salsa brings tropical flavors to your dinner table. Crisp fish fillets coated in coconut and lime zest pair perfectly with fresh avocado salsa, creating a light and refreshing meal you’ll crave.

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Ingredients

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• 4 fish fillets (6 oz/170 g) (tilapia, cod, or snapper)
• 1 cup (240 ml/8 fl oz) coconut milk
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 2 tbsps fresh lime juice
• 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 large avocado, diced
• ½ cup (75 g/2.6 oz) cherry tomatoes, diced
• 2 tbsps red onion, finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp lime zest
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp fresh lime juice (for salsa)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Lime wedges (optional)
• Fresh cilantro leaves (optional)

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Instructions

1. Marinate: Blend coconut milk, lime juice, garlic, cumin, paprika, and salt in a bowl. Submerge fish fillets completely, ensuring even coating. Refrigerate for 30-45 minutes to infuse flavors.
2. Prepare Salsa: Dice avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro. Mix gently with lime juice and salt. Refrigerate to meld flavors while fish marinates.
3. Cook Fish: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Remove fish from marinade, letting excess drip off. Sear fish for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and easily flakes.
4. Plate and Serve: Transfer fish to serving plates. Top with prepared avocado salsa. Garnish with lime wedges and fresh cilantro. Accompany with rice, quinoa, or green salad.

Notes

• Maximize Marinade Absorption: Pat fish dry before marinating to help the coconut-lime mixture penetrate deeply and enhance flavor infusion.
• Prevent Avocado Browning: Add lime juice to the salsa immediately to keep avocados fresh and prevent oxidation, maintaining vibrant green color and preventing discoloration.
• Achieve Perfect Sear: Use a cast-iron or non-stick skillet for even heat distribution and create a golden-brown crust without sticking, ensuring crispy exterior and tender fish interior.
• Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap fish with tofu or chicken for alternative protein options, and use gluten-free spices to make the recipe suitable for various dietary restrictions like vegetarian or gluten-sensitive diets.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg