The Best Cod Piccata
Cod Piccata is a light yet flavorful dish featuring tender cod fillets in a tangy, buttery lemon-caper sauce. This dish is a seafood twist on the classic Italian chicken piccata, combining fresh cod with a rich, citrusy sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant meal, this recipe is easy to make and packed with bright, fresh flavors.
Ingredients
For the Cod:
- 4 cod fillets 6 oz each
- ½ cup all-purpose flour for dredging
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
For the Piccata Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice about 2 lemons
- 3 tbsp capers drained
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped
Optional Garnishes:
- Lemon slices
- Extra chopped parsley
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cod
- Pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel.
- In a shallow bowl, mix flour, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Dredge each cod fillet lightly in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
Step 2: Cook the Cod
- Heat olive oil and 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the cod fillets and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. (Cod should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.)
- Remove the fillets from the pan and set aside on a plate.
Step 3: Make the Piccata Sauce
- In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in white wine (or chicken broth) and scrape up any browned bits from the pan. Let it simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add chicken broth, lemon juice, and capers, stirring well. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
- Reduce heat to low and whisk in 2 tbsp butter until the sauce is smooth.
- Return the cod fillets to the pan, spooning sauce over them. Let them warm through for 1 minute.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and garnish with lemon slices.
- Serve immediately with pasta, rice, or vegetables.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, you can pan-fry the cod in a mix of olive oil and butter.
- If cod isn't available, you can substitute with haddock, halibut, or tilapia.
- For a gluten-free version, use almond flour or gluten-free flour for dredging.