Description
This Cod Piccata recipe features tender cod fillets cooked to golden perfection and served with a tangy lemon, caper, and butter sauce. Perfect for a light and flavorful dinner, this dish combines the zesty brightness of lemon with the savory richness of butter and the briny punch of capers, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon slices. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an elegant yet easy meal to prepare any night of the week.
Ingredients
Scale
Fish
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
Cooking Fat & Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed and drained
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Lemon slices
Instructions
- Season the Cod: Season the cod fillets generously with salt and pepper on both sides to enhance the flavor.
- Prepare the Coating: Spread the flour evenly on a plate and gently coat each cod fillet on both sides with flour, shaking off any excess to ensure a light crust.
- Heat the Pan: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil with 1 tablespoon of butter until melted and hot, ready for cooking the fish.
- Cook the Cod: Carefully place the dredged cod fillets in the hot skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant to infuse the sauce with flavor.
- Add Lemon Juice and Broth: Pour in fresh lemon juice and low-sodium chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to lift any browned bits into the sauce.
- Add Capers and Simmer: Stir in rinsed capers and bring the mixture to a simmer to meld the flavors.
- Finish the Sauce: Reduce heat to low and whisk in remaining tablespoon of butter until the sauce slightly thickens. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Reheat Cod: Return cooked cod fillets to the skillet, spoon sauce over them and warm through for 1 additional minute to blend flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and lemon slices before serving for color and a fresh aroma.
Notes
- Use fresh cod for best flavor and texture.
- Be careful not to overcook the fish to keep it tender and flaky.
- Capers add a salty, tangy bite—rinse well to adjust saltiness.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for dredging.
- This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, or crusty bread.
