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Buttery Cajun Fish Bites with Tangy Herb Dip Recipe


  • Author: Rafael
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Crispy, buttery Cajun fish bites served with a tangy herb dip combine bold Cajun spices and fresh herbs for a flavorful appetizer or snack. These golden fried fish pieces are tender inside and perfectly seasoned, accompanied by a creamy dip with mayonnaise, sour cream, and fresh parsley and dill, making them irresistibly delicious.


Ingredients

Scale

Fish Bites

  • 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)

Tangy Herb Dip

  • 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

  1. Prepare Fish Pieces: Cut the white fish fillets into bite-sized pieces, about 1-2 inches each, ensuring uniform size for even cooking.
  2. Set Up Breading Stations: In one shallow bowl, combine flour, Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Pour the buttermilk into a second bowl. Place the breadcrumbs in a third bowl to prepare for breading.
  3. Bread the Fish: Dip each fish piece first into the seasoned flour mixture, shake off excess, then dip into buttermilk, and finally coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs. Arrange the coated fish bites on a plate.
  4. Cook the Fish Bites: Heat the melted unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat, coating the bottom. When hot, add fish bites in batches without overcrowding, frying for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  5. Make the Herb Dip: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, chopped parsley, dill, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
  6. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the herb dip and adjust salt and pepper as needed for balanced flavor.
  7. Serve: Arrange the cooked Cajun fish bites on a serving platter. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and the prepared tangy herb dip on the side for dipping.

Notes

  • Use firm white fish like cod or tilapia for best results.
  • To keep fish bites crispy, avoid overcrowding the skillet while frying.
  • The dip can be made ahead and refrigerated to enhance flavors.
  • For a spicier kick, add extra Cajun seasoning or a dash of hot sauce to the dip.
  • Serve with lemon wedges to add fresh acidity just before eating.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Cajun fish bites, fried fish bites, fish appetizer, tangy herb dip, crispy fish snacks, easy fish recipe