Lemon Butter Fish Bites with Garlic Aioli Recipe

Introduction

Lemon Butter Fish Bites with Garlic Aioli are a quick and flavorful appetizer or light meal. Tender white fish pieces are coated, pan-fried in a zesty lemon butter sauce, and paired perfectly with a tangy garlic aioli for dipping.

Ingredients

• 1 lb fresh white fish fillets (such as cod, tilapia, or haddock)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
• Fresh parsley, for garnish
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (for aioli)
• Salt and pepper, to taste (for aioli)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, minced garlic, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until smooth, then cover and refrigerate while preparing the fish bites.
2. Step 2: Cut the fish fillets into bite-sized pieces.
3. Step 3: In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
4. Step 4: Dredge each piece of fish in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
5. Step 5: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the 2 tablespoons lemon juice and lemon zest, stirring to combine.
6. Step 6: Add the floured fish pieces to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
7. Step 7: Remove the fish bites from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess butter.
8. Step 8: Arrange the lemon butter fish bites on a serving platter and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve with the garlic aioli on the side for dipping.

Tips & Variations

• Use firm white fish like cod or haddock for best texture and flavor.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture.
• Try baking the fish bites at 425°F (220°C) for 10-12 minutes as a lighter cooking option.
• Swap mayonnaise in the aioli with Greek yogurt for a tangier, lower-fat dip.

Storage

Store leftover fish bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to maintain crispness. The garlic aioli can be stored separately in the fridge for up to 3 days.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen fish for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen fish fillets. Make sure to fully thaw and pat them dry before cutting and coating to avoid sogginess.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, you can prepare the garlic aioli ahead of time and cook the fish bites fresh before serving. Reheated fish bites may lose some crispness but still taste delicious.

Lemon Butter Fish Bites with Garlic Aioli Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 510 reviews

• Author: Hugo
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Fat

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Description

Lemon Butter Fish Bites with Garlic Aioli are crispy, tender pieces of fresh white fish coated in a seasoned flour mixture, pan-fried in a rich lemon butter sauce, and served with a creamy garlic aioli dip. This quick and flavorful appetizer or light meal highlights the bright zest of lemon and the comforting richness of butter balanced by a zesty, garlicky mayo sauce.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fish Bites

• 1 lb Fresh white fish fillets (such as cod, tilapia, or haddock)
• 1/4 cup All-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon Paprika
• 1/4 cup Unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons Fresh lemon juice
• 1 Lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Garlic Aioli

• 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Fresh lemon juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare garlic aioli: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until smooth. Cover and refrigerate to allow flavors to meld while preparing the fish.
2. Cut fish: Slice the fresh white fish fillets into bite-sized pieces, approximately 1 to 1.5 inches each, ensuring even cooking.
3. Mix flour coating: In a shallow dish, stir together all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, and paprika until well blended to create the seasoned dredging mixture.
4. Coat fish pieces: Dredge each fish bite in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off any excess to avoid clumping.
5. Melt butter and prepare lemon butter sauce: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the unsalted butter and allow it to melt completely. Stir in fresh lemon juice and lemon zest to infuse the butter with bright lemon flavor.
6. Cook fish bites: Arrange the floured fish pieces in a single layer in the skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, flipping carefully to achieve an even golden brown crust and ensure the fish is cooked through and flakes easily.
7. Drain excess butter: Remove the cooked fish bites from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any leftover butter and keep them crisp.
8. Serve and garnish: Arrange the lemon butter fish bites on a serving platter, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a fragrant finish, and serve immediately with the chilled garlic aioli sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

• You can use any firm white fish like cod, haddock, or tilapia depending on availability and preference.
• Ensure the skillet is not overcrowded to achieve optimal crispness; cook in batches if necessary.
• For extra zest, add more lemon zest on top right before serving.
• Garlic aioli can be made a day ahead to enhance the garlic flavor.
• Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: lemon butter fish bites, garlic aioli, fried fish bites, crispy fish appetizer, quick fish recipes, lemon butter sauce, fish finger food