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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 a quick, crispy, and flavorful seafood snack featuring tender white fish coated in a zesty lemon butter sauce, paired with a homemade creamy garlic aioli. Perfect as an appetizer or light meal, this recipe is easy to prepare in under 30 minutes using simple, fresh ingredients and offers versatile customization options to suit various dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale

Fish Bites

  • 1 lb white fish fillets (cod, haddock, or tilapia), cut into 1-2 inch bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 3/4 cup breadcrumbs
  • 3 tbsp butter, for frying
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (plus extra for finishing)

Garlic Aioli

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

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Fish: Cut white fish fillets into uniform 1-2 inch pieces and pat dry with paper towels to help the coating stick and prevent sogginess.
  2. Create the Coating Station: Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour seasoned with salt and pepper, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs.
  3. Dredge the Fish: Coat each fish piece first in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally roll through the breadcrumbs until fully coated. Place coated fish bites on a plate.
  4. Cook the Fish Bites: Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat until melted and bubbling. Add fish bites without overcrowding the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer bites to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
  5. Make the Garlic Aioli: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste. Chill for 10 minutes to meld flavors.
  6. Finish with Lemon Butter: Melt additional butter in the skillet, stir in fresh lemon juice, then toss cooked fish bites briefly in the lemon butter sauce to coat evenly before serving.

Notes

  • Dry your fish well to ensure the coating sticks and crisps.
  • Cook fish bites in batches to avoid overcrowding and achieve an even golden crust.
  • Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best bright acidity.
  • Allow the garlic aioli to chill before serving for enhanced flavor.
  • Serve fish bites immediately while hot and crispy to enjoy the best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon butter fish bites, garlic aioli, seafood appetizer, crispy fish bites, easy seafood snack, quick appetizer, lemon butter sauce

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