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Garlic Butter Cod Bites with Creamy Lemon Herb Dip Recipe
Ben Carraoli

Garlic Butter Cod Bites with Creamy Lemon Herb Dip Recipe

I didn’t think a simple seafood snack could wow me so much until I tried these Garlic Butter Cod Bites with Creamy Lemon Herb Dip. As soon as the buttery garlic aroma filled my kitchen, I knew this recipe would become a favorite. The first bite was juicy, flavorful, and perfectly balanced with the fresh lemony dip.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound cod fillets cut into bite-sized pieces — Fresh cod gives the best texture and flaky finish compared to frozen fish.
  • 1/4 cup butter melted — Butter adds richness and helps garlic coat the fish evenly.
  • 4 cloves garlic minced — Fresh garlic provides stronger flavor than pre-minced options.
  • 1 teaspoon paprika — Adds mild smokiness and beautiful color.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt — Adjust based on whether your butter is salted.
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper — Freshly ground pepper enhances flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped — Adds freshness and color for garnish.
  • Lemon wedges for serving — Brightens flavors and balances buttery richness.
  • 1/2 cup sour cream — Creates a creamy slightly tangy base.
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise — Adds smoothness and thickness to the dip.
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice — Gives refreshing acidity.
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest — Intensifies citrus aroma without adding sourness.
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill — Provides herbal depth and classic seafood pairing.
  • 1 teaspoon fresh chives chopped — Adds a mild onion-like flavor.
  • Salt and pepper to taste — Adjust seasoning to preference.

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s ready when the fish is prepared. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup and to prevent sticking. Proper preheating ensures the fish cooks evenly.
  2. Mix melted butter with minced garlic, paprika, salt, pepper, and parsley in a bowl. This mixture creates the rich coating that flavors each piece of cod. Stir until ingredients are evenly blended.
  3. Gently toss cod bites in the garlic butter mixture until fully coated. Handle carefully so the delicate fish pieces don’t break. Every piece should have an even layer of seasoning.
  4. Place cod bites in a single layer on the baking sheet, leaving space between pieces. Bake for 12–15 minutes until fish flakes easily with a fork. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking.
  5. While the fish cooks, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, zest, dill, chives, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and chill until serving time. The dip thickens slightly as flavors blend.
  6. Serve cod bites immediately while hot with the dip on the side. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for brightness. Serve straight from the oven for the best taste and texture.

Notes

  • I always pat the cod dry so the butter mixture sticks better.
  • I zest the lemon before juicing to make prep easier.
  • I avoid crowding the baking tray so bites roast instead of steam.
  • I sometimes add fresh dill at the end for extra aroma.