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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, flavorful seafood snacks featuring tender white fish coated with a light breading, fried to golden perfection, and tossed in a bright lemon butter sauce. Served with a creamy garlic aioli dip, these bites offer a perfect balance of tang, richness, and crunch—ideal for appetizers, parties, or a quick, satisfying snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Fish Bites

  • 1 lb white fish fillets (such as cod or tilapia), cut into 1.5-inch pieces
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Lemon Butter Sauce

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

Garlic Aioli Dip

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
  • Salt, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Fish: Cut the white fish fillets into bite-sized pieces, about 1.5 inches each, ensuring even cooking and perfect size for dipping.
  2. Set Up the Breading Stations: Place flour seasoned lightly with salt and pepper in one bowl, beaten eggs in a second bowl, and panko breadcrumbs seasoned lightly with salt and pepper in a third bowl.
  3. Bread the Fish: Dredge each fish piece in the flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the egg wash. Finally, coat thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
  4. Fry the Bites: Heat 2 tbsp butter and 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry fish bites in batches for about 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
  5. Make the Lemon Butter Sauce: In the same pan, melt 3 tbsp butter, then add 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 1 tsp lemon zest. Toss the fried fish bites quickly in this sauce to coat evenly and add a zesty shine.
  6. Prepare the Garlic Aioli: Whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, minced garlic, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp lemon juice, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy.
  7. Serve: Plate the warm lemon butter fish bites with a generous side of garlic aioli for dipping. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives, if desired.

Notes

  • Use fresh fish for the best texture and flavor.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying to maintain oil temperature and crispness.
  • Pat fish dry before breading to help the coating stick better.
  • Use a combination of butter and oil to prevent burning while adding flavor.
  • Serve immediately to enjoy the fish bites at their crispiest.

Nutrition

Keywords: Lemon butter fish bites, garlic aioli, crispy fish bites, seafood appetizer, quick snack, fish bites recipe, party appetizer

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