Lemon Butter Fish Bites Recipe
If you are looking for a quick and delicious meal, you will love this Lemon Butter Fish Bites Recipe. It is fresh, zesty, and packed with amazing flavor. Anyone can master this Lemon Butter Fish Bites Recipe in under twenty minutes.
Equipment
- Large non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan
- Sharp chef’s knife
- Sturdy cutting board
- Medium glass mixing bowl
- Paper towels for drying fish
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Handheld citrus juicer
- Measuring spoons and cups
Ingredients
- Cod or halibut fillets – 1.5 pounds, cut into 1-inch bite-sized cubes
- Unsalted butter – 3 tablespoons, divided into two portions
- Extra virgin olive oil – 2 tablespoons
- Garlic – 3 cloves, finely minced
- Fresh lemon juice – 2 tablespoons
- Fresh lemon zest – 1 teaspoon
- Paprika – 1/2 teaspoon
- Garlic powder – 1/2 teaspoon
- Fine sea salt – 1/2 teaspoon
- Freshly cracked black pepper – 1/4 teaspoon
- Fresh parsley – 2 tablespoons, finely chopped for garnish
Instructions
Prep and Season the Fish Cubes
- Pat the fish cubes completely dry using paper towels. Dry fish sears much better in a hot pan. Place the dried fish cubes into a clean mixing bowl. Sprinkle the paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper over the fish. Toss gently with your hands to coat every piece evenly with seasoning.
Sear the Fish Bites
- Heat the olive oil and one tablespoon of butter in your skillet over medium-high heat. Place the seasoned fish cubes in the skillet in a single layer. Cook for two minutes without moving them until a light crust forms. Flip carefully and cook for two more minutes. Transfer cooked fish to a warm plate.
Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
- Turn down the stove heat to medium. Add the remaining two tablespoons of butter into the same hot skillet. Toss in the minced garlic and stir for one minute until fragrant. Pour in the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest. Whisk the mixture gently to scrape up all cooked bits from the pan bottom.
Toss Fish and Serve Warm
- Add the seared fish bites back into the skillet with the lemon sauce. Spoon the warm sauce gently over the fish cubes for one minute. Ensure every bite is fully coated with garlic butter goodness. Turn off the heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over top. Serve immediately while hot and juicy.
Notes
- Choose thick white fish fillets like cod, halibut, or mahi-mahi for best results. Thick cuts hold together well while searing.
- Do not crowd the skillet while cooking the fish. Cook in two small batches if your skillet is on the smaller side.
- Add a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes into the butter sauce for a subtle spicy kick.
- Use plant-based butter and olive oil if you want a complete dairy-free seafood meal.
- Swap parsley with fresh chopped dill or basil for a sweet herbal flavor twist.
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the fish so you get a nice golden color.
- Store leftover fish bites in a tight sealed container inside the refrigerator for up to two days.
- Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat with a small knob of butter. Avoid using the microwave because high microwave heat makes delicate fish tough and rubbery.