Lemon Butter Fish Bites with Garlic Aioli Recipe
These Lemon Butter Fish Bites are crispy, tender pieces of fresh white fish sautéed in a flavorful lemon butter sauce, complemented by a creamy garlic aioli dip. Perfect as an appetizer or a light main course, they offer a delightful combination of buttery richness, zesty lemon, and savory garlic.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American, Seafood
Ingredients
Main 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 unit Lemon zest
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Garlic Aioli Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Garlic Aioli: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly until smooth. Cover and refrigerate the aioli while preparing the fish bites to allow flavors to meld.
- Cut the Fish: Cut the fresh white fish fillets into bite-sized pieces, ensuring uniform sizes for even cooking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a shallow dish, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, and paprika to create a seasoned coating for the fish.
- Coat the Fish Bites: Dredge each piece of fish in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off any excess flour to avoid clumping during cooking.
- Prepare Lemon Butter Sauce: In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest, stirring well to combine the flavors.
- Cook the Fish Bites: Place the coated fish pieces in the skillet in a single layer. Cook for approximately 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through, indicating a flaky interior.
- Drain Excess Butter: Remove the cooked fish bites from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess butter and maintain crispness.
- Serve: Arrange the lemon butter fish bites on a serving platter, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve alongside the garlic aioli for dipping.
Notes
- Use fresh fish for the best flavor and texture.
- Adjust seasoning in the flour mixture to your taste preference.
- For extra crispiness, allow the coated fish bites to rest for 5 minutes before cooking.
- The garlic aioli can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
