Description
This Cod Piccata recipe features tender cod fillets cooked to golden perfection in a tangy lemon-caper butter sauce. A classic Italian-American dish, it combines simple ingredients such as fresh lemon juice, capers, and garlic to create a bright, flavorful meal that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant dinner party.
Ingredients
Scale
Fish
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Dredging
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed and drained
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon slices (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season Cod: Season the cod fillets generously with salt and pepper on both sides to enhance the flavor.
- Dredge Cod: Spread the flour evenly on a plate. Gently coat each cod fillet on both sides with flour, shaking off any excess to ensure a light crust.
- Heat Pan and Oil: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil along with 1 tablespoon of butter until melted and hot, ready for cooking the fish.
- Cook Cod: Carefully place the dredged cod fillets in the hot skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove fillets and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for approximately 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Lemon Juice and Broth: Pour in the 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 the rinsed capers and bring the mixture to a simmer to meld the flavors.
- Finish Sauce: Reduce heat to low, then whisk in the remaining tablespoon of butter until the sauce slightly thickens. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Return Cod to Sauce: Return the cooked cod fillets to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them, and warm through for an additional minute.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley and lemon slices before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor in the sauce.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the pan when cooking the cod to ensure even browning.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer before adding the cod back.
- Capers add a salty, briny flavor—rinse them well if you want a milder taste.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or over a bed of pasta or rice for a complete meal.
