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
- Prepare Fish Pieces: Cut the white fish fillets into bite-sized pieces, about 1-2 inches each, ensuring uniform size for even cooking.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the herb dip and adjust salt and pepper as needed for balanced flavor.
- 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
