Description
This Easy Cod Piccata recipe offers a light and flavorful take on the classic Italian dish, featuring tender cod fillets in a tangy lemon-caper sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick and elegant dinner that pairs well with simple sides like steamed vegetables or rice.
Ingredients
Scale
Fish
- 1 pound cod fillets
Coating
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Cooking fats
- 3 tablespoons salted butter, divided
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce
- 1 small shallot, minced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup drained capers
Garnish
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the fish: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, kosher salt, and black pepper. Dredge each cod fillet lightly in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
- Sear the cod: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 2 tablespoons of the butter. Once hot, add the cod fillets and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the fish from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté shallots and garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced shallot and garlic to the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant and translucent, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Make the piccata sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping any browned bits from the skillet. Add the lemon juice and capers, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 4-5 minutes until the sauce slightly reduces and thickens.
- Combine and serve: Return the cod fillets to the skillet, spoon some sauce over them, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to warm through. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh cod fillets for the best texture and flavor.
- Ensure not to overcook the fish to keep it moist and tender.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
- Capers add a salty, lemony dimension to the sauce that is essential to piccata dishes.
- Serve your cod piccata alongside steamed greens or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
