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

Description

This Easy Cod Piccata Recipe is a simple yet elegant dish that combines tender, flaky cod fillets with a rich buttery lemon-caper sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is full of fresh and vibrant flavors. The cod is pan-seared to golden perfection, topped with a zesty, silky sauce, and garnished with fresh parsley for the ultimate flavor experience.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Cod:

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

For the Sauce:

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

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Instructions

Prep the Cod
Pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel to help them cook evenly. In a large bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, kosher salt, and black pepper. Dredge each cod fillet on both sides in the flour mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated. Set aside on a plate.
Pan-Fry the Cod
Heat 1 tablespoon of butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the cod fillets in the hot skillet and cook undisturbed for 4 minutes on one side, allowing them to achieve a golden brown crust. Carefully flip the cod and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes on the other side. Once cooked, transfer the fillets to a plate and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce Base
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of butter along with the minced shallot and garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute, being careful not to burn the garlic, until fragrant.
Make the Lemon-Caper Sauce
Add the chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, and capers to the skillet. Use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, as these add extra flavor. Let the sauce simmer for a couple of minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly.
Finish the Sauce
Stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter until the sauce is smooth and glossy. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
Serve the Dish
Gently add the cod fillets back into the skillet and spoon the lemon-butter sauce over each fillet. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately. Optional: pair with lemon slices for an extra burst of citrus flavor.

Notes

You can substitute cod with any flaky white fish, such as haddock or tilapia.
For additional depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of dry white wine to the sauce.
This dish freezes well; store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently.
Don’t skip the capers—they provide a tangy, salty kick that elevates the dish.
Serve with steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a light salad for a complete meal.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 Serving
Calories: 265kcal
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 9g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 18g
Cholesterol: 75mg