🐟 Garlic Butter Cod Bites with Creamy Lemon Herb Dip

Golden-seared cod bites tossed in garlic butter and spices, served with a cool, creamy lemon herb dip. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or light main.

🧾 Ingredients (Serves 3–4)

Cod Bites

• 1½ lb (680 g) cod fillets, skinless, cut into large bite-sized chunks

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp butter

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp paprika

• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ¾ tsp salt (or to taste)

• ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)

• Juice of ½ lemon

Creamy Lemon Herb Dip

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tsp lemon zest

• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped

• 1 tbsp fresh chives or dill, finely chopped

• 1 clove garlic, grated

• Salt and pepper to taste

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the Dip (Do This First)

In a bowl, whisk together:

• Mayonnaise

• Sour cream or Greek yogurt

• Lemon juice & zest

• Garlic

• Fresh herbs

• Salt & pepper

Cover and refrigerate while you cook the fish.
➡️ This lets the flavors meld beautifully.

2. Season the Cod

Pat cod pieces dry with paper towels.

In a bowl, toss cod with:

• Salt

• Black pepper

• Paprika

• Smoked paprika

• Chili flakes (if using)

Dry fish = better sear.

3. Sear the Cod Bites

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add cod pieces in a single layer (don’t overcrowd).
Sear 2–3 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.

Remove briefly from the pan.

4. Garlic Butter Finish

Lower heat to medium.

Add butter to the same skillet.
Once melted, add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.

Return cod to the pan.
Spoon garlic butter over the bites and finish with lemon juice.

Toss gently to coat.

5. Serve

Transfer cod bites to a serving dish.
Sprinkle with fresh herbs or lemon zest if desired.

Serve hot with the creamy lemon herb dip.

🍽️ What It Tastes Like

• Texture: Crispy edges, flaky and tender inside

• Flavor: Buttery, garlicky, lightly smoky

• Dip: Cool, creamy, bright with lemon and herbs

❓ Q & A

Q: Can I use frozen cod?

Yes. Thaw completely and pat very dry before cooking.

Q: Can I air-fry these?

Absolutely.

• Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes

• Flip halfway and brush with garlic butter at the end

Q: Can I bake them?

Yes.

• Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 12–15 minutes

• Broil for the last 2 minutes for color

Q: What other fish works?

Great substitutes:

• Haddock

• Pollock

• Halibut

• Tilapia (thinner, cooks faster)

Q: How do I know the cod is done?

It should:

• Flake easily with a fork

• Be opaque in the center
  Internal temp: 145°F (63°C)

Q: What can I serve with this?

• Roasted potatoes or fries

• Steamed asparagus or broccoli

• Rice or couscous

• Fresh green salad

Q: Can I make the dip dairy-free?

Yes.

• Use vegan mayo

• Use dairy-free yogurt or more mayo.