Lemon Butter Fish Bites with Garlic Aioli
Lemon Butter Fish Bites with Garlic Aioli
Ingredients
For the Fish Bites
- 1 pound white fish fillets, cod, haddock, or tilapia, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes, optional
- as needed salt, to taste
- as needed black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
For the Garlic Aioli
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 garlic, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- a pinch salt
- a pinch black pepper
Instructions
- 1
Pat the fish pieces thoroughly dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving a good sear and preventing steaming. Season the dried fish with paprika, Italian seasoning, chili flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper.
⏱️ 5 min
- 2
In a large skillet, heat the butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat until the butter is melted and shimmering.
⏱️ 1 min
- 3
Add the seasoned fish pieces to the hot skillet in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until the fish is golden brown on the outside and flakes easily with a fork. If cooking in batches, remove the cooked fish and set aside, then repeat with the remaining fish.
⏱️ 6 min
- 4
During the final minute of cooking, add the 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Stir gently to coat the fish in the buttery garlic sauce, being careful not to burn the garlic.
⏱️ 1 min
- 5
Remove the skillet from the heat. Drizzle the fresh lemon juice over the cooked fish bites and sprinkle with the chopped fresh parsley for a burst of freshness.
⏱️ 1 min
- 6
While the fish is cooking or cooling slightly, prepare the garlic aioli. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, 1 finely minced garlic clove, 1 teaspoon of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of black pepper until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
⏱️ 2 min
- 7
For the best flavor, refrigerate the garlic aioli for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
⏱️ 5 min
- 8
Serve the warm Lemon Butter Fish Bites immediately with the prepared Garlic Aioli on the side for dipping. These fish bites pair wonderfully with roasted vegetables, crispy potatoes, rice, or a fresh Mediterranean salad.
Kitchen Tools
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Lemon Butter Fish Bites with Garlic Aioli
For the Fish Bites
- 1 pound white fish fillets, cod, haddock, or tilapia, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes, optional
- as needed salt, to taste
- as needed black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
For the Garlic Aioli
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 garlic, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- a pinch salt
- a pinch black pepper
Instructions
- 1
Pat the fish pieces thoroughly dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving a good sear and preventing steaming. Season the dried fish with paprika, Italian seasoning, chili flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper.
⏱️ 5 min - 2
In a large skillet, heat the butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat until the butter is melted and shimmering.
⏱️ 1 min - 3
Add the seasoned fish pieces to the hot skillet in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until the fish is golden brown on the outside and flakes easily with a fork. If cooking in batches, remove the cooked fish and set aside, then repeat with the remaining fish.
⏱️ 6 min - 4
During the final minute of cooking, add the 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Stir gently to coat the fish in the buttery garlic sauce, being careful not to burn the garlic.
⏱️ 1 min - 5
Remove the skillet from the heat. Drizzle the fresh lemon juice over the cooked fish bites and sprinkle with the chopped fresh parsley for a burst of freshness.
⏱️ 1 min - 6
While the fish is cooking or cooling slightly, prepare the garlic aioli. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, 1 finely minced garlic clove, 1 teaspoon of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of black pepper until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
⏱️ 2 min - 7
For the best flavor, refrigerate the garlic aioli for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
⏱️ 5 min - 8
Serve the warm Lemon Butter Fish Bites immediately with the prepared Garlic Aioli on the side for dipping. These fish bites pair wonderfully with roasted vegetables, crispy potatoes, rice, or a fresh Mediterranean salad.