Description

Golden, crispy fish bites tossed in bright lemon butter and served with a bold, creamy garlic aioli—an easy, shareable seafood favorite that tastes like a coastal treat at home.

Ingredients

Scale

Fish Bites

1 1/2 lb (680 g) cod, cut into 1-inch pieces

1/2 cup (65 g) all-purpose flour

1/2 cup (64 g) cornstarch

1 1/2 tsp kosher salt

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp smoked paprika (or sweet paprika)

1/2 tsp black pepper

2 large eggs

2 tbsp (30 ml) water

Neutral oil for frying (about 2 cups / 480 ml, as needed)

Lemon Butter

4 tbsp (56 g) unsalted butter

2 tbsp (30 ml) fresh lemon juice

1 tsp lemon zest

2 cloves garlic, finely grated or minced

1/4 tsp kosher salt (adjust to taste)

2 tbsp (8 g) chopped fresh parsley

Garlic Aioli

3/4 cup (180 g) mayonnaise

2 cloves garlic, finely grated

1 tbsp (15 ml) fresh lemon juice

1 tsp Dijon mustard

1/2 tsp kosher salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1) Make the garlic aioli: In a bowl, whisk mayonnaise, grated garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

2) Prep fish: Pat cod dry and cut into 1-inch pieces.

3) Mix coating: In a shallow bowl, whisk flour, cornstarch, salt, garlic powder, paprika, and pepper.

4) Make egg wash: In a second bowl, whisk eggs with water.

5) Dredge: Coat fish in flour mixture, dip in egg wash, then coat again in flour mixture. Set aside on a tray.

6) Fry: Heat about 1/2 inch of neutral oil in a skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry fish in batches 2–3 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Drain on a rack or paper towels.

7) Lemon butter: Melt butter, then stir in lemon juice, zest, garlic, and salt. Add fish bites and toss gently. Sprinkle with parsley.

8) Serve: Serve immediately with garlic aioli and extra lemon wedges.

Notes

For best crunch, pat fish very dry and fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature.

If you prefer less mess, place dredged fish on a rack for 5 minutes before frying to help the coating set.

Aioli can be made up to 24 hours ahead for more balanced garlic flavor.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes