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Lemon Butter Fish Bites with Garlic Aioli

Lemon Butter Fish Bites with Garlic Aioli

Lemon Butter Fish Bites with Garlic Aioli offer a quick, flavorful seafood snack featuring crispy golden fish coated in lemon butter sauce paired with a creamy garlic aioli dip. Perfect as an appetizer, party finger food, or light meal, this recipe is simple, fresh, and packed with zesty, buttery flavor and satisfying texture.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Fish and Coating

  • 1 lb fresh white fish fillets (cod, haddock, or tilapia), cut into bite-sized cubes
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
  • 2 large eggs, lightly whisked
  • 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Olive oil, for frying or baking

Lemon Butter Sauce

  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Garlic Aioli

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Fish: Cut fresh white fish fillets into uniform bite-sized cubes. Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture which helps achieve crispiness.
  2. Set Up Your Breading Station: In one bowl, lightly whisk the eggs. In a second bowl, combine the flour, salt, and pepper. In a third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs. This three-step setup creates the perfect crunchy coating.
  3. Coat the Fish Bites: Dredge each fish piece in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess. Dip into the egg mixture to moisten, then coat completely with panko breadcrumbs.
  4. Cook the Fish Bites: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the fish bites in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Drain on paper towels. Alternatively, bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway for even crispness.
  5. Make the Lemon Butter Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Stir in fresh lemon juice and lemon zest. Toss the cooked fish bites gently in the lemon butter to coat evenly.
  6. Whip Up the Garlic Aioli: In a bowl, mix together mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until creamy and smooth. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Notes

  • Use fresh fish for the best texture and flavor.
  • Avoid overcrowding the pan when frying to maintain oil temperature and crispiness.
  • Pat the fish dry before breading to help coating stick well.
  • Prepare the garlic aioli ahead to let flavors meld.
  • Adjust the amount of lemon butter sauce to your preference for sauciness.
  • To make gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour and panko with gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
  • Leftover fish bites can be refrigerated up to 2 days; store aioli separately.
  • Freeze uncooked breaded fish bites on a baking sheet before transferring to freezer bags for up to 1 month.
  • Reheat fish bites in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to maintain crispiness; avoid microwaving.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Frying or Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free (with substitutions)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (about ¼ of recipe)
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 350mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: lemon butter fish bites, garlic aioli, seafood appetizer, crispy fish bites, quick seafood recipe, gluten free fish bites, party finger food