Name: Cod Piccata: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe You Must Try Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces each); Salt and pepper, to taste; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging); 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; Fresh parsley, finely chopped; Lemon slices

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Introduction

Cod Piccata is a bright and flavorful dish featuring tender cod fillets in a zesty lemon-caper sauce. This recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels special. Enjoy the combination of buttery sauce with fresh herbs that complements the mild fish beautifully.

A white oval bowl holds four browned, seared fish fillets arranged in a loose cluster, each topped with small green herb pieces. The fish sits in a thick, creamy sauce, pale yellow with visible chunks of onions, capers, and small bits of red seasoning throughout. The sauce pools around the fillets, adding a glossy texture, with finely chopped green herbs sprinkled across the dish for color contrast. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface with a soft focus background where parts of another white dish are visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces each)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
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
Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
Lemon slices (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Season the cod fillets generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
Step 2: Spread the flour on a plate and gently dredge each fillet on both sides, shaking off any excess.
Step 3: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter until melted and hot.
Step 4: Place the cod fillets in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the fillets and set aside on a plate.
Step 5: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Step 6: Pour in the lemon juice and chicken broth, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
Step 7: Stir in the capers and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Step 8: Reduce the heat to low and whisk in the remaining tablespoon of butter until the sauce is slightly thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Step 9: Return the cooked cod fillets to the skillet, spoon the sauce over them, and warm for an additional minute.
Step 10: Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra crispiness, let the dredged fillets rest for 10 minutes before cooking to help the flour adhere better.
Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth for a pescatarian-friendly version.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle spicy kick.
Serve over pasta or sautéed greens to make it a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover Cod Piccata in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking the fish, or warm in the microwave in short intervals. The sauce may thicken when chilled; add a splash of water or broth when reheating to loosen it.

How to Serve

The dish shows four pieces of golden-brown seared fish with a lightly crispy texture, placed on the top layer. Underneath, there is a thick, creamy sauce with a light yellow color mixed with chunks of translucent onions and small green capers scattered throughout. Fresh chopped green herbs are sprinkled over the fish and sauce for a fresh look. It is served in a white shallow bowl, with a white marbled textured surface seen around the bowl's edge. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cod fillets for this recipe?

Yes, frozen cod fillets can be used. Thaw them completely in the refrigerator before cooking for the best texture and even cooking.

What can I use instead of capers if I don’t have any?

If you don’t have capers, chopped green olives or a small amount of chopped pickles can provide a similar salty, tangy flavor in the sauce.