Description
This cod piccata is a quick and elegant dish that brings together the delicate flakiness of cod with a rich, tangy sauce made from lemon, capers, butter, and white wine. Lightly coated in flour and pan-seared to perfection, the cod absorbs all the flavors of the sauce while remaining tender and juicy. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cod fillets
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Cod: Pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel, then season both sides with salt and black pepper. Lightly dredge each fillet in flour, shaking off any excess.
- Sear the Cod: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cod fillets and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the cod from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Make the Piccata Sauce: In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add the Lemon and Capers: Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, capers, and chicken broth. Let the sauce simmer for another 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Finish the Dish: Reduce the heat to low and whisk in the remaining tablespoon of butter to give the sauce a silky texture. Return the cod fillets to the skillet and spoon the sauce over them. Simmer for 1-2 minutes to warm the fish through.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top and serve immediately with your choice of pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables.
Notes
- Preventing the Cod from Falling Apart: Cod is delicate, so handle it gently when flipping. A fish spatula works best.
- Flavor Variations: Try adding sliced cherry tomatoes, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or a splash of cream for a richer sauce.
- Dietary Adjustments: For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour. To make it dairy-free, replace butter with olive oil or a dairy-free alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Seafood
- Cuisine: Italian