Description

Cod Piccata is a flavorful, vibrant seafood dish featuring tender cod fillets in a zesty lemon-butter sauce with capers and fresh parsley. This quick and simple recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or an impressive, healthy main course for guests.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Cod

4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each), skinless and boneless
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Piccata Sauce

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth (or fish stock)
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
1/4 cup capers, drained
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Lemon slices, for garnish

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Instructions

Prepare the Cod – Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Dredge each fillet lightly in flour, shaking off excess.
Sear the Cod – Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add cod fillets and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden and just cooked through. Transfer to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
Make the Piccata Sauce – In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
Add Lemon and Capers – Stir in lemon juice, capers, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce simmer and reduce by about half, 3-4 minutes.
Finish and Serve – Return the cod fillets to the skillet, spooning sauce over the top. Simmer for 1-2 minutes to reheat the fish. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and garnish with lemon slices. Serve immediately, spooning extra sauce over each fillet.

Notes

Swap cod for another firm white fish such as haddock or halibut.
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour for dredging.
The sauce also pairs beautifully with steamed veggies or pasta.
Don’t overcook the cod—it’s done when opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cod fillet with sauce
Calories: 238
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 625mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 27g
Cholesterol: 70mg