Description
These Lemon Butter Fish Bites are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, bursting with flavor and paired with a creamy garlic aioli. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive appetizer for guests.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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 unit Lemon zest, for garnish
- Fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
- 2 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon Fresh lemon juice, to taste
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your fish. Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels to eliminate excess moisture, ensuring a crisp texture. Cut them into bite-sized pieces, approximately 1 to 2 inches in size.
- In a shallow bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix well until evenly distributed.
- Coat each fish piece lightly in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. This step is crucial to achieving that perfect crunch, so make sure not to overload the fish with flour.
- Next, melt the unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s fully melted and starts to bubble slightly. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning!
- Once the butter is ready, add the coated fish bites to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on one side until golden brown. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking.
- Carefully flip the fish bites using a spatula. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the other side is also golden brown and the fish is cooked through (the flesh should be opaque and flake easily).
- While the fish is cooking, prepare the garlic aioli. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Stir until smooth, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the garlic level based on your preference—more for a bolder flavor!
- Once the fish bites are cooked, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess butter. This will keep them crispy.
- To serve, sprinkle the fish bites with fresh lemon zest and chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot with the garlic aioli on the side for dipping.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 fish bites
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
Keywords: Make sure your oil is hot enough before adding the fish; if it’s not sizzling, your fish will absorb too much butter and become greasy. Consider roasting the garlic for a smoother, sweeter flavor in the aioli.