Dinner

Buttery Cajun Fish Bites with Tangy Herb Dip Recipe

ByRafael Mansero November 5, 2025November 5, 2025

Introduction

These Buttery Cajun Fish Bites are crispy, flavorful, and perfect for a quick appetizer or snack. Paired with a tangy herb dip, they offer a delicious bite of Southern-inspired comfort food that’s easy to make at home.

A white square plate filled with several pieces of golden-brown grilled scallops, each scallop showing a slightly charred, crispy outer layer with visible herbs sprinkled on top, and a tender, white inside. In the center of the plate, a small round glass bowl contains a creamy light yellow sauce speckled with green herbs. The edges of the scallops are close to the bowl, creating a circular pattern. A woman's hand gently holds the plate from the left side. The background shows blurred city lights and buildings with a white marbled surface below, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound white fish fillets (such as cod, tilapia, or catfish)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
Lemon wedges (for serving)
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
1 tablespoon fresh dill (chopped)
Salt and pepper (to taste)

Instructions

Step 1: Cut the white fish fillets into bite-sized pieces, about 1-2 inches each.
Step 2: In a shallow bowl, mix the flour, Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Pour the buttermilk into a second bowl. Place the breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
Step 3: Dip each piece of fish into the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the buttermilk, and finally coat it evenly with the breadcrumbs. Set the coated pieces aside on a plate.
Step 4: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat, ensuring it coats the bottom of the pan.
Step 5: Once the butter is hot, carefully add the breaded fish bites in batches. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the fish bites and drain on paper towels.
Step 6: In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, parsley, dill, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth to make the tangy herb dip.
Step 7: Taste the dip and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 8: Arrange the fish bites on a serving platter and serve hot with lemon wedges and the herb dip on the side.

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
Try swapping fresh dill with chives or tarragon for a different herb flavor in the dip.
If you prefer spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture.
Use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream for a lighter dip.

Storage

Store leftover fish bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to maintain crispiness. Store the dip separately and consume within 2-3 days for best freshness.

How to Serve

A white square plate holds about eight pieces of grilled fish with a golden-brown crispy crust, speckled with green herbs and black char marks. The fish pieces are thick, white inside, and stacked close together. At the back of the plate, there is a small clear glass bowl filled with a creamy, light beige sauce with green herb flecks. A woman's hand is holding the plate, and the background shows city lights blurred out, giving a warm glow. The setting is on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I bake the fish bites instead of frying?

Yes, to bake, arrange the breaded fish bites on a greased baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.

What type of fish works best for this recipe?

Firm white fish like cod, tilapia, or catfish work best as they hold up well during frying and have a mild flavor that pairs nicely with Cajun seasoning.