Name: Lemon Butter Fish Bites with Garlic Aioli Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
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; 1/2 cup Mayonnaise; 2 cloves Garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon Fresh lemon juice; Salt and pepper, to taste

Introduction

Lemon Butter Fish Bites with Garlic Aioli are a quick and flavorful seafood treat perfect for any occasion. Tender white fish is coated in a spiced flour mix, pan-fried in lemon butter, and served with a zesty garlic aioli for dipping. This dish is sure to impress with its bright citrus notes and crispy texture.

A close-up of a round white plate held by a woman's hand, filled with six pieces of perfectly seared, golden brown fish with a slightly crispy texture, sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs. In the center of the plate, there is a generous swirl of creamy, light yellow sauce with visible black specks, also topped with some green herbs. The background is a blurred cityscape with bright, colorful lights, while the surface under the plate shows a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

1/2 cup Mayonnaise

2 cloves Garlic, minced

1 tablespoon Fresh lemon juice (for aioli)

Salt and pepper, to taste (for aioli)

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until smooth. Cover and refrigerate while you prepare the fish bites.

Step 2: Cut the fish fillets into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, salt, black pepper, and paprika.

Step 4: Dredge each piece of fish in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.

Step 5: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the lemon juice and lemon zest, stirring to combine.

Step 6: Add the floured fish pieces to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 7: Remove the fish bites from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess butter.

Step 8: Arrange the lemon butter fish bites on a serving platter and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve with the garlic aioli on the side for dipping.

Tips & Variations

Use firm white fish like cod or haddock for the best texture and flavor.

For extra crispiness, let the dredged fish rest for 10 minutes before cooking.

Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mix for a spicy kick.

Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt in the aioli for a lighter dip.

Serve with a side of fresh greens or crispy fries to complete the meal.

FAQs

Can I bake the fish bites instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake the fish bites on a greased baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking. While they won’t be as crispy as pan-fried, baking is a healthier alternative.

What is the best fish to use for this recipe?

Firm white fish like cod, tilapia, or haddock work best because they hold together well during cooking and have a mild flavor that pairs nicely with lemon and garlic.