Description
This Easy Cod Piccata Recipe features tender cod fillets cooked to golden perfection and served with a tangy lemon caper sauce. Quick and simple to prepare, it’s a flavorful Italian-American main course that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Fish
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
Breading
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cooking and Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- lemon slices, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the cod: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, and pepper. Lightly dredge each cod fillet in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess flour to ensure a light coating.
- Cook the cod: Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cod fillets and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the fillets from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
- Make the sauce: Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the same skillet along with the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the white wine and chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to loosen any browned bits. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Finish the dish: Stir in the fresh lemon juice and drained capers into the sauce. Return the cooked cod fillets to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to heat the fish through and meld the flavors.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the cod and garnish with lemon slices if desired. Serve immediately with your choice of side dishes for a complete meal.
Notes
- Cod is delicate, so handle it gently when flipping to avoid breaking the fillets.
- Substitute the cod with haddock or tilapia if preferred or when unavailable.
- For a complete meal, serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.
