Garlic Butter Cod Bites with Creamy Lemon Herb Dip – A Crispy, Flavor-Packed Delight

There’s something incredibly comforting about perfectly golden, buttery seafood bites paired with a zesty, creamy dip. These Garlic Butter Cod Bites with Creamy Lemon Herb Dip are the perfect combination of crunch, tenderness, and fresh citrusy flavor. The recipe transforms humble cod into irresistible morsels that melt in your mouth while delivering a satisfying crispness. What makes this dish even more delightful is how simple it is to prepare—ideal for a quick dinner, appetizer, or even a weekend snack platter.

I love making these with fresh Atlantic cod, but frozen fillets work beautifully too—just make sure to pat them dry before cooking. When I tried this recipe the first time, I used olive oil instead of butter for a lighter version, but nothing beats the rich flavor that real butter brings. Pair these bites with the creamy lemon herb dip, and you’ve got a crowd-pleaser ready in minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Garlic Butter Cod Bites strike a perfect balance between light and indulgent. The exterior is crisp and golden, while the inside remains soft and flaky. The lemon herb dip ties everything together with its tangy, refreshing finish. It’s an easy dish that delivers restaurant-quality results in under 30 minutes, ideal for both family dinners and entertaining guests.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cod fillets – Choose firm, fresh cod fillets for the best texture. Cut them into bite-sized cubes to ensure even cooking and a beautiful golden crust.

Butter – Real butter is key to creating the rich, savory flavor that defines these bites. It adds depth and helps the cod develop a crisp, golden exterior when sautéed.

Garlic – Freshly minced garlic infuses the butter with a deep, aromatic essence. Garlic is the soul of this recipe, balancing the mild flavor of cod with its bold fragrance.

All-purpose flour – Lightly coating the cod in flour helps create that perfect crunchy crust. It also helps the butter cling to each bite beautifully.

Paprika – A dash of paprika adds a subtle smokiness and vibrant color to the cod bites, enhancing both the look and taste.

Salt and black pepper – Simple seasonings that elevate the natural sweetness of the fish and balance the buttery richness.

Lemon juice – Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish, adding a gentle tang that complements the richness of the butter.

Mayonnaise – The base of the creamy lemon herb dip. It creates a velvety texture that pairs wonderfully with the crispy cod.

Greek yogurt – Balances the mayonnaise with a light, tangy freshness. It also makes the dip lighter and more refreshing.

Fresh herbs (parsley, dill, or chives) – Finely chopped herbs add a burst of color and garden-fresh aroma to the dip. I especially love using dill for its subtle citrusy note.

Garlic powder and lemon zest – These two bring the final touch of flavor to the dip, enhancing its brightness and depth.

Directions

Start by cutting the cod fillets into even, bite-sized pieces. Pat them dry with paper towels—this step is crucial for achieving that crisp finish.

In a shallow bowl, mix flour, paprika, salt, and pepper. Dredge each cod piece lightly in the mixture, shaking off the excess.

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Carefully place the cod bites into the skillet in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap.

Cook for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. The fish should flake easily with a fork but remain moist inside. Transfer the bites to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess butter.

For the dip, combine mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic powder, and chopped herbs in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and creamy. Adjust salt and lemon juice to taste.

Serve the cod bites warm with the creamy lemon herb dip on the side. Garnish with extra herbs and a lemon wedge if desired.

Equipment needed :

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people as an appetizer or 2 people as a main dish.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Storage/reheating

Store leftover cod bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes to maintain their crispness. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy. The dip can be stored separately in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving.

Variations and Customizations

Spicy Kick – Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the flour mix for a touch of heat.

Gluten-Free Option – Substitute all-purpose flour with rice flour or almond flour for a crispy gluten-free coating.

Air-Fryer Method – For a lighter version, air-fry the coated cod bites at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Herb Butter Twist – Mix parsley, chives, and a pinch of rosemary into the melted butter for extra aroma.

Citrus Upgrade – Try lime or orange zest in the dip for a unique citrus flavor.

Crunch Boost – Add a touch of panko breadcrumbs to the flour for extra texture.

Dairy-Free Version – Use olive oil instead of butter and replace yogurt with a dairy-free alternative.

Smoky Flavor – Incorporate a bit of smoked paprika or chipotle powder into the flour mix.

Asian-Inspired – Replace the dip with a soy-ginger sauce for a different flavor profile.

Kids’ Favorite – Serve with ketchup or honey mustard for a fun, family-friendly twist.

FAQs

How do I know when the cod bites are cooked through?

The cod should flake easily with a fork and appear opaque in the center.

Can I use frozen cod fillets?

Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking.

What other fish can I use instead of cod?

Haddock, pollock, or tilapia work equally well in this recipe.

Can I bake these cod bites?

Absolutely. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes until golden.

How do I keep the coating from falling off?

Ensure the cod is dry before dredging and avoid overcrowding the pan.

Can I make the dip ahead of time?

Yes, prepare it up to a day in advance and store it chilled.

What side dishes go well with these cod bites?

Try them with roasted potatoes, a fresh salad, or steamed vegetables.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, you can prepare the dip and cut the cod in advance for faster cooking later.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

You can, but butter provides richer flavor and a better texture.

How can I make the dip thicker?

Add more Greek yogurt or a spoonful of sour cream to thicken the consistency.

Conclusion

These Garlic Butter Cod Bites with Creamy Lemon Herb Dip deliver a restaurant-quality experience in the comfort of your kitchen. With crisp, golden bites and a refreshing, zesty dip, this dish is perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions. It’s simple, satisfying, and endlessly customizable—a must-try recipe that turns everyday cod into something truly extraordinary.

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