Crispy Cajun-Style Fish Bites
Delight in these Crispy Cajun-Style Fish Bites, featuring tender pieces of fish coated in a perfectly spiced cornmeal crust. This recipe elevates your weeknight meals by providing a simple yet flavorful alternative to traditional fish and chips. Paired with a zesty mayo dipping sauce, these fish nuggets are not only satisfying but also a fun dish for the whole family. Serve them alongside crispy fries or over a bed of fluffy rice with steamed vegetables for a complete and wholesome dinner that will have you waving goodbye to takeout!
4
Servings
200
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
1/2 cup (sifted)
cornmeal
1/4 cup (fine)
cajun seasoning
1 tablespoon (store-bought or homemade)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (freshly ground)
light mayonnaise
1/2 cup (store-bought)
fresh dill
2 tablespoons (chopped; or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
lemon juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
catfish fillets or sole fillets
1 1/2 lbs (cut into 2-inch chunks)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and prepare a greased rimmed baking sheet.
2
In a large shallow dish, combine sifted all-purpose flour, fine cornmeal, Cajun seasoning, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of spices.
3
In another shallow dish, mix together light mayonnaise, chopped fresh dill, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Set aside 1/4 cup of this mixture for serving later.
4
Cut your fish fillets into bite-sized, 2-inch chunks. Carefully dip each chunk into the mayonnaise mixture, ensuring an even coating, then transfer to the flour mixture and coat thoroughly while turning to cover all sides.
5
Arrange the coated fish nuggets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 10 minutes.
6
To achieve an extra crispy finish, broil the fish bites for an additional 4 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
7
Remove from the oven and serve immediately alongside the reserved mayonnaise mixture for dipping, along with your choice of sides.
Nutrition Information
7.5g
Fat
17.5g
Carbs
14g
Protein
1g
Fiber
0.5g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Cajun-Style Fish Bites?
They are tender pieces of fish coated in a spiced cornmeal crust, baked until golden, and served with a zesty mayo dipping sauce.
What kind of fish should I use for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using catfish fillets or sole fillets, but it is categorized under Tilapia as well.
How do I make the cornmeal crust?
Combine sifted all-purpose flour, fine cornmeal, Cajun seasoning, salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a shallow dish.
What is in the dipping sauce?
The dipping sauce is made from light mayonnaise, chopped fresh dill, and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) before baking the fish.
How long do the fish bites need to bake?
The fish bites should bake for about 10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
How can I make the fish bites extra crispy?
To achieve extra crispiness, broil the fish for an additional 4 minutes after the initial baking time.
Can I use dried dill instead of fresh dill?
Yes, you can substitute 2 tablespoons of fresh dill with 1 teaspoon of dried dill.
What are the nutritional values for one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories, 14g of protein, 7.5g of fat, and 17.5g of carbohydrates.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is a lighter alternative to traditional fried fish as it is baked and uses light mayonnaise.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
How should I cut the fish fillets?
Cut the fish fillets into bite-sized chunks, approximately 2 inches in size.
Do I need to grease the baking sheet?
Yes, use a greased rimmed baking sheet to prevent the fish from sticking.
What can I serve with these fish bites?
They go well with crispy fries, fluffy rice, or steamed vegetables.
How much Cajun seasoning is needed?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, which can be store-bought or homemade.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 main ingredients required for this recipe.
How much fiber is in this dish?
There is 1 gram of fiber per serving.
What is the primary protein source?
The primary protein source is fish fillets, specifically catfish or sole.
Is there sugar in this recipe?
There is a very small amount of sugar, approximately 0.5g per serving.
Should the flour be sifted?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1/2 cup of sifted all-purpose flour.
How much lemon juice is needed?
You will need 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
How is the fish coated before baking?
The fish chunks are dipped first into the mayonnaise mixture and then transferred to the flour and cornmeal mixture.
What is the purpose of the mayonnaise mixture?
It acts as a binder to help the cornmeal crust stick to the fish and adds flavor.
Can I save some of the sauce for dipping?
Yes, you should set aside 1/4 cup of the mayonnaise, dill, and lemon mixture for serving later.
Is this a quick dinner option?
Yes, with a 10-minute bake time and simple preparation, it is ideal for a quick weeknight meal.
What type of cornmeal is best?
Fine cornmeal is recommended for a better texture on the crust.
How do I ensure the spices are evenly distributed?
Mix the flour, cornmeal, and seasonings thoroughly in a shallow dish before coating the fish.
Does the recipe include sodium information?
No, the sodium and cholesterol values are not specified in the provided data.
How many fish chunks should I make?
You should use 1.5 lbs of fillets, cut into 2-inch chunks, which usually serves 4 people.
Should I watch the fish while broiling?
Yes, you should keep a close eye on the fish during the 4-minute broil to prevent it from burning.