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Lemon Butter Fish Bites with Garlic Aioli

Lemon Butter Fish Bites with Garlic Aioli
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Lemon Butter Fish Bites with Garlic Aioli are crispy, golden fish pieces coated in a tangy lemon butter glaze paired perfectly with a creamy garlic aioli dip. This quick and easy appetizer or snack offers balanced flavors and a delightful texture, making it an ideal choice for parties, casual dinners, or anytime you crave a fresh, flavorful seafood treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Fish and Coating

  • 1 lb fresh firm white fish fillets (such as cod or tilapia), cut into bite-sized pieces
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • Salt, to taste (about ½ tsp for coating)
  • Black pepper, to taste (about ¼ tsp for coating)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • Optional herbs for breadcrumb mixture: 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or dill

Lemon Butter Sauce

  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest

Garlic Aioli

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 1–2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Garnishes (optional)

  • Fresh parsley or dill, chopped
  • Lemon wedges or thin lemon slices

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Fish: Start by cutting your fish fillets into bite-sized pieces. Pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure the coating sticks properly and prevent sogginess.
  2. Make the Breading Station: Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour lightly seasoned with salt and pepper, a second with the beaten eggs, and a third with panko breadcrumbs mixed with a pinch of salt and optional fresh herbs for added flavor.
  3. Coat the Fish Bites: Dredge each fish piece first in the flour, then dip into the egg mixture, and finally coat evenly with the breadcrumb mixture. This triple-dip method ensures a crispy, golden finish.
  4. Cook the Fish Bites: In a large skillet, melt some butter over medium heat. Fry the breaded fish bites in batches for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the cooked bites and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.
  5. Prepare the Lemon Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, add a bit more butter along with fresh lemon juice and lemon zest. Stir gently until the mixture is well combined and warm, then toss the cooked fish bites in the lemon butter sauce to coat them thoroughly.
  6. Make the Garlic Aioli: While the fish bites finish, whisk together mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside as the perfect dipping sauce.
  7. Serve and Enjoy: Plate the crispy lemon butter fish bites alongside the garlic aioli. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill and extra lemon wedges for an inviting presentation ready to devour.

Notes

  • Use fresh fish for the best texture and flavor.
  • Cook fish bites in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan and ensure even crispiness.
  • Pat fish dry thoroughly before breading to help the coating adhere properly.
  • Let the fried fish bites rest briefly after cooking to keep the outer layer crispy.
  • Always use fresh lemon juice and zest for authentic vibrant brightness.
  • For gluten-free option, substitute breadcrumbs with crushed rice crackers or almond flour.
  • To reduce fat, bake or air fry the breaded fish bites instead of frying.
  • Store leftover fish bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; keep aioli separate.
  • Freeze uncooked breaded fish bites on a sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for longer storage.
  • Reheat fish bites in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon butter fish bites, garlic aioli, fish appetizers, crispy fish bites, easy seafood snack, gluten-free fish bites

Find it online: https://jamescookes.com/lemon-butter-fish-bites-with-garlic-aioli/