Lemon Butter Fish Bites with Garlic Aioli

Discover the easiest way to make delicious lemon butter fish bites. This recipe uses simple ingredients for an incredibly flavorful dish. Perfect for a quick meal or appetizer, these golden fish bites pair wonderfully with a creamy garlic aioli.

Gather these simple items for your lemon butter fish bites and creamy garlic aioli.

• 400g (14 oz) white fish fillets, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup flour (or cornstarch)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• Fresh parsley for garnish
• For the Garlic Aioli:
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Pinch of salt

Customize your lemon butter fish bites with these easy swaps.

• Fish: Use cod, tilapia, haddock, or pollock. For a different flavor, try salmon or shrimp, adjusting cook times as needed.
• Flour: Cornstarch or a gluten-free all-purpose blend works great for a crispy, gluten-free coating.
• Butter: Use a dairy-free butter substitute if needed.
• Mayonnaise: For a lighter aioli, use a light mayonnaise or even plain Greek yogurt, though the texture will be different.
• Herbs: Dill or chives can be used instead of or in addition to parsley for garnish.

1. Pat the fish pieces very dry with paper towels.
   Patting the fish dry is a crucial step for a crispy coating.
2. Season the fish with salt and pepper.
   This ensures the fish itself is flavorful.
3. Lightly coat the fish pieces with flour.
   Shake off any excess flour so you have a thin, even layer.
4. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   Wait until the butter is melted and the oil is shimmering.
5. Add the fish pieces in a single layer.
   Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
6. Cook until golden and crispy on each side.
   This typically takes about 2–3 minutes per side.
7. Add minced garlic to the pan.
   Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
8. Drizzle lemon juice and sprinkle lemon zest over the fish.
   This adds a bright, fresh flavor.
9. Toss the fish gently to coat it with the garlic, lemon, and butter sauce.
   Ensure all pieces are coated.
10. While the fish cooks, mix all aioli ingredients in a small bowl.
    Stir until smooth and creamy.
11. Serve the lemon butter fish bites hot.
    Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
12. Serve with the prepared garlic aioli on the side.

• Soggy Fish: Not drying the fish fillets thoroughly before coating. Pat them very dry with paper towels to ensure crispiness.
• Overcrowding the Pan: Adding too many fish pieces at once lowers the pan temperature. Cook in batches to maintain crispiness.
• Burning Garlic: Adding garlic too early or cooking it too long. Add it at the end and cook just until fragrant.

• Spicy Bites: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the flour coating or to the aioli for a little heat.
• Herb Infusion: Mix finely chopped herbs like dill or chives into the flour mixture for added flavor.
• Parmesan Coating: Add grated Parmesan cheese to the flour for a cheesy crust.

• Serve as an appetizer with toothpicks or small forks.
• Pair with a fresh green salad for a light lunch or dinner.
• Serve alongside rice or roasted vegetables for a more substantial meal.
• Offer with additional lemon wedges for squeezing.

Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.

Can I make this ahead?

While the aioli can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator, the fish bites are best cooked right before serving for optimal crispiness. You can prepare the fish by cutting and seasoning it ahead of time, but cook it just before you plan to eat.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover lemon butter fish bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. It’s best to store the garlic aioli separately. Reheat gently in the oven or a skillet to help retain some crispiness.

These lemon butter fish bites with garlic aioli are a simple yet elegant dish. Their delightful flavor and quick preparation make them a perfect addition to any meal rotation. Enjoy!

Lemon Butter Fish Bites with Garlic Aioli

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Crispy, golden fish bites tossed in zesty lemon butter and served with creamy garlic aioli. A quick, flavorful recipe perfect for appetizers or light meals.

• Author: basma
• Prep Time: 15
• Cook Time: 10
• Total Time: 25
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Quick Dinner Recipes
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

400g (14 oz) white fish fillets, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
Fresh parsley for garnish

Garlic Aioli
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Pinch of salt

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Coat fish pieces in flour, salt, and pepper.
Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add fish and sauté for 3–4 minutes per side until golden.
Remove fish and add garlic; sauté for 30 seconds.
Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and return fish to the pan. Cook 1–2 minutes more.
For garlic aioli: Whisk mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, and salt until smooth.
Garnish with parsley and serve with aioli.

Notes

Use cornstarch for gluten-free coating
Adjust garlic to taste
Cod, tilapia, or haddock work best
Fish bites can be baked (375°F/190°C for 10–12 minutes) for a lighter option

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 230
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 65mg