Lemon Dill Fish Bites with Creamy Tartar

If you’re looking for a delicious and easy seafood recipe, look no further than these Lemon Dill Fish Bites with Creamy Tartar. This dish combines tender, flaky white fish fillets with a crispy, flavorful coating, and pairs perfectly with a homemade creamy tartar sauce. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, enjoying a family dinner, or simply craving a tasty snack, these fish bites are sure to impress. The zesty lemon and fragrant dill enhance the flavor of the fish, making each bite delightful. Plus, the tartar sauce adds that extra touch of creaminess that complements the fish bites beautifully.

Not only are these fish bites incredibly tasty, but they are also straightforward to prepare. With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you can whip up this delightful dish in no time. So, grab your apron and let’s dive into this recipe that’s perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons to fall in love with Lemon Dill Fish Bites with Creamy Tartar. First, the flavor combination of lemon and dill is a classic pairing that elevates the dish. The citrusy brightness of the lemon cuts through the richness of the fish, while the dill adds a refreshing herbal note. This balance of flavors makes each bite irresistible.

Secondly, the texture is a standout feature of this recipe. The fish bites are coated in a crispy mixture of cornmeal and flour, creating a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender fish inside. When you take a bite, you’ll experience that delightful crunch followed by the soft, flaky texture of the fish, making it a truly enjoyable eating experience.

Moreover, this recipe is versatile. You can serve these fish bites as an appetizer at your next party, a main course for a family dinner, or even as a fun finger food for game day. They pair wonderfully with a variety of sides, such as coleslaw, fries, or a fresh salad. The creamy tartar sauce also makes a great dipping sauce for vegetables or chips, allowing you to get creative with your serving options.

Additionally, this dish is packed with protein, making it a healthier alternative to many fried options out there. Each serving offers a good amount of protein while being relatively low in carbohydrates, making it a guilt-free indulgence. Plus, the homemade tartar sauce contains simple ingredients that you can feel good about serving to your family and friends.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

If you’re still on the fence about trying Lemon Dill Fish Bites with Creamy Tartar, consider the convenience factor. The recipe requires minimal prep time and can be cooked in just about 30 minutes. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want to put a wholesome meal on the table without spending hours in the kitchen.

Another reason to try this recipe is the satisfaction of cooking from scratch. Making your own fish bites and tartar sauce allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring that you’re serving a fresh and delicious product. Plus, there’s something incredibly rewarding about preparing a dish that not only tastes great but also impresses your family or guests.

This recipe is also great for meal prep! You can easily double the batch and freeze the extra fish bites for a quick meal later on. Simply thaw and reheat in the oven or air fryer for a crispy finish. This makes it a practical choice for busy individuals or families looking to streamline their weeknight dinners.

Lastly, if you love to experiment in the kitchen, this recipe provides a fantastic base. You can customize the seasoning or try different fish varieties to suit your taste. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not try adding a bit of spice or experimenting with different herbs? The possibilities are endless!

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils

Ingredients for the Fish Bites

• 1 lb (450g) white fish fillets (such as cod or tilapia), cut into bite-sized cubes
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornmeal
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon dried dill
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1/4 cup milk
• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

Ingredients for the Creamy Tartar Sauce

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons dill pickle relish
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried dill
• Salt and pepper to taste

Recommended Utensils

• Three shallow bowls for breading
• Large skillet for frying
• Slotted spoon for transferring cooked fish
• Paper towels for draining excess oil
• Mixing bowl for tartar sauce
• Whisk for mixing

Detailed Recipe Steps

Follow these detailed steps to create your own Lemon Dill Fish Bites with Creamy Tartar:

1. Prepare the Breading Station: Set up three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, add the flour. In the second bowl, combine the cornmeal, lemon zest, dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. In the third bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and milk. This setup makes it easier to coat the fish evenly.
2. Coat the Fish: Take each fish cube and first dip it into the flour, shaking off any excess. This step is crucial as it helps the egg mixture adhere better. Next, dip the floured fish into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat it in the cornmeal mixture, pressing gently to ensure it sticks well. This three-step process creates a deliciously crispy exterior.
3. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat about 1/2 inch of oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. This indicates that the oil is hot enough for frying. If the oil is not hot enough, the fish will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
4. Fry the Fish: Carefully add the coated fish bites to the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Fry each piece for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked fish bites to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. This step ensures that your fish bites stay crispy.
5. Make the Creamy Tartar Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, dill pickle relish, lemon juice, dried dill, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined. This sauce adds a tangy, creamy contrast to the crispy fish.
6. Chill the Sauce: Refrigerate the tartar sauce for at least 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste.

FAQs

Conclusion

In summary, Lemon Dill Fish Bites with Creamy Tartar are a delightful dish that combines flavor, texture, and convenience. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a meal that is sure to please everyone at your table. Don’t forget to try the homemade tartar sauce, as it adds a delicious creaminess that elevates the entire dish. We invite you to share your experiences in the comments below, let us know how your fish bites turned out, or any twists you added to the recipe. Happy cooking!

For more delicious recipes, check out our Lemon Pepper Salmon Bites with Tartar Cream Dip or Crispy Cod Strips with Tangy Tartar Dip.

For more inspiration, visit our Pinterest page!

Lemon Dill Fish Bites with Creamy Tartar Sauce

These crispy Lemon Dill Fish Bites are served with a creamy tartar sauce, making for a delightful appetizer or main dish.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Shallow Bowls

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb White fish fillets (cod or tilapia) Cut into bite-sized cubes
• 1/2 cup All-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup Cornmeal
• 1 teaspoon Lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon Dried dill
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1 piece Large egg Beaten
• 1/4 cup Milk
• Oil for frying Vegetable or canola oil

Creamy Tartar Sauce

• 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons Dill pickle relish
• 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dried dill
• Salt and pepper To taste

Instructions

 

Instructions

• Prepare the Breading Station: Set up three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, add the flour. In the second bowl, combine the cornmeal, lemon zest, dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. In the third bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and milk.
• Coat the Fish: Dip each fish cube first into the flour, shaking off the excess. Next, dip it into the egg mixture, allowing the excess to drip off, and finally coat it in the cornmeal mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
• Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat about 1/2 inch of oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
• Fry the Fish: Carefully add the coated fish bites to the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked fish bites to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
• Mix the Creamy Tartar Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, dill pickle relish, lemon juice, dried dill, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined.
• Chill: Refrigerate the tartar sauce for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Notes

For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cornmeal mixture.

Keyword fish, fried fish, seafood