Can I make this with frozen cod?

Yes, but thaw it completely and pat it very dry before cooking. Frozen fish often releases more moisture, so you might need to pat it dry multiple times to ensure good browning.

How do I know when the cod is done cooking?

Cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork and has turned from translucent to opaque white throughout. For most fillets, this takes about 4 minutes on the first side and 2-3 minutes on the second in a hot pan.

Can I make this dish without capers?

While capers provide the signature piccata flavor, you can substitute finely chopped green olives for a similar briny effect. If you prefer to omit them entirely, add a bit more lemon zest to enhance the citrus notes.

Is there a way to make the sauce thicker?

For a slightly thicker sauce, you can stir in a teaspoon of the seasoned flour mixture when adding the broth. However, traditional piccata sauce is meant to be relatively light—more of a butter sauce than a gravy.

Easy Cod Piccata Recipe

Name: Easy Cod Piccata Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 pound cod fillets; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 3 tablespoons salted butter, divided; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small shallot, minced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup chicken broth; Juice of 1 lemon; 1/4 cup drained capers; Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish

This incredible Cod Piccata transforms an ordinary weeknight into something special without any fuss. Tender cod fillets are lightly dredged in seasoned flour, then pan-fried to golden perfection and finished in a bright, tangy sauce of lemon, capers, and butter. It’s an elegant yet simple dish that comes together in just 25 minutes—perfect for busy evenings when you want something that feels restaurant-worthy without the effort!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Impressive: This dish looks and tastes like it took hours, but it’s on your table in less than 30 minutes—perfect for those nights when you want something special without the hassle.
Simple Ingredients: No need for a special shopping trip! Most ingredients are pantry staples, and cod is readily available year-round.
Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The buttery, lemony sauce with briny capers creates a perfect harmony that enhances the mild cod without overwhelming it.
Versatile: Works beautifully with different sides—pasta, rice, or vegetables—making it a flexible option for various dietary preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cod fillets: The star of the show—mild, flaky, and perfect for absorbing the delicious piccata sauce. Make sure to pat them dry for better browning.
All-purpose flour: Creates that light, golden crust that seals in moisture and gives texture to the fish.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the cod.
Butter: Divided use—some for cooking the fish and creating richness, and some stirred in at the end for a silky, luxurious sauce.
Olive oil: Combines with butter for the perfect cooking medium—the oil prevents the butter from burning while adding its own flavor.
Shallot: Provides a gentle, sophisticated onion flavor that doesn’t overpower the delicate fish.
Garlic: Adds aromatic depth to the sauce—just don’t let it burn!
Chicken broth: Forms the savory base of the sauce while deglazing all those flavorful brown bits from the pan.
Lemon juice: Brings essential brightness and acidity that cuts through the richness of the butter.
Capers: These little flavor bombs add briny, tangy notes that define piccata sauce—they’re small but mighty!
Fresh parsley: Adds color and a fresh, herbaceous finish that brings everything together.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Fish Options

Try this recipe with other firm white fish like haddock, halibut, or even tilapia. Each brings its own texture and flavor while working beautifully with the piccata sauce.

Wine Addition

For extra depth, replace half the chicken broth with a dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. The alcohol will cook off, leaving behind a wonderful complexity.

Dairy-Free Version

Replace the butter with additional olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative for a dairy-free option that maintains the silky texture.

Spicy Twist

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a gentle heat that complements the lemon and capers beautifully.

How to Make Cod Piccata

Step 1: Prepare the Fish

Pat the cod fillets thoroughly dry with paper towels—this is crucial for good browning. In a wide, shallow bowl, combine the flour, salt, and pepper, mixing well. Dredge each fillet on both sides in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess, then set aside on a clean plate.

Step 2: Pan-Fry the Cod

Heat 1 tablespoon of butter and the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the butter is melted and the mixture is hot but not smoking. Carefully place the cod fillets in the pan without crowding. Let them cook undisturbed for 4 minutes until beautifully golden brown. Using a thin spatula, gently flip the fillets and cook for another 2-3 minutes until cooked through. Remove to a clean plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.

Step 3: Make the Piccata Sauce

In the same pan, add another tablespoon of butter. Once melted, add the minced shallot and garlic, cooking for just 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and capers, using a wooden spoon to scrape up all those flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it reduces slightly and concentrates in flavor.

Step 4: Finish the Dish

Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the sauce, stirring until it melts completely and creates a silky emulsion. Return the cod fillets to the pan, spooning the hot sauce over them. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately, with additional lemon wedges if desired.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Skip Drying the Fish: Moisture is the enemy of browning—pat those fillets very dry before dredging.
Use a Non-Stick or Well-Seasoned Pan: Cod is delicate, and a good pan helps prevent sticking during cooking.
Be Gentle When Flipping: A thin fish spatula works wonders for turning the fillets without breaking them.
Balance the Heat: Medium-high heat gives you that golden crust, but watch carefully to prevent burning the garlic when making the sauce.
Don’t Overreduce the Sauce: You want it slightly thickened but still saucy enough to spoon over the fish.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

Serve your Cod Piccata over angel hair pasta or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. For a lighter option, pair with roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, or a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette.

Elegant Presentation

For a restaurant-worthy presentation, place the cod on a bed of pasta or rice, then spoon the sauce over and around. Garnish with a lemon twist, a few whole capers, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Wine Suggestion

A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay complements this dish perfectly, mirroring the bright citrus notes in the sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The lemon flavor will intensify slightly during storage.

Freezing

While fresh is best, you can freeze the cooked cod and sauce separately. Wrap the fish carefully and store the sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month.

Reheating

Gently reheat the fish and sauce together in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Be careful not to overcook the fish during reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this with frozen cod?

Yes, but thaw it completely and pat it very dry before cooking. Frozen fish often releases more moisture, so you might need to pat it dry multiple times to ensure good browning.
How do I know when the cod is done cooking?

Cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork and has turned from translucent to opaque white throughout. For most fillets, this takes about 4 minutes on the first side and 2-3 minutes on the second in a hot pan.
Can I make this dish without capers?

While capers provide the signature piccata flavor, you can substitute finely chopped green olives for a similar briny effect. If you prefer to omit them entirely, add a bit more lemon zest to enhance the citrus notes.
Is there a way to make the sauce thicker?

For a slightly thicker sauce, you can stir in a teaspoon of the seasoned flour mixture when adding the broth. However, traditional piccata sauce is meant to be relatively light—more of a butter sauce than a gravy.

Final Thoughts

This Cod Piccata strikes that perfect balance between elegant and effortless. With its bright flavors and quick preparation, it’s the kind of recipe that proves you don’t need hours in the kitchen to create something truly special. The tangy-buttery sauce transforms simple cod into a memorable meal that feels like a treat any night of the week. Give it a try—I think you’ll be surprised at how easily this restaurant-worthy dish comes together in your own kitchen!