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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Cut fish: Slice the fresh white fish fillets into bite-sized pieces, approximately 1 to 1.5 inches each, ensuring even cooking.
- 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.
- Coat fish pieces: Dredge each fish bite in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off any excess to avoid clumping.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
