Experience a delightful twist on the classic Italian dish with this Cod Piccata recipe. This dish brings together the tender, flaky texture of cod with a bright, tangy lemon-caper sauce, creating a meal that’s both flavorful and easy to prepare. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe will impress your family and friends with its rich, vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
- 4 servings cod fillets, approximately 4 ounces each
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- ½ cup red onion, chopped (approximately 1/2 medium onion)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 lemons, plus more for serving if desired
- 1 cup chicken stock or broth
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained and rinsed
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, chilled
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Cod: Season the cod fillets with salt and black pepper on both sides. Dredge each fillet lightly in the all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess.
- Cook the Cod: In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the cod fillets and cook until golden brown on each side and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the chopped red onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, allowing it to sauté for about a minute until its aroma fills the air.
- Make the Sauce: Cut one lemon in half and squeeze the juice into the skillet. Slice the other lemon into thin rounds and set aside for garnish. Pour in the chicken stock and add the capers. Stir the mixture, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Finish the Sauce: Gradually whisk in the chilled butter, one tablespoon at a time, until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened. Stir in the chopped parsley.
- Serve: Return the cod fillets to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top to coat. Serve the cod piccata garnished with lemon slices and additional parsley if desired.
Conclusion
This Cod Piccata is a delicious, elegant dish that’s surprisingly simple to prepare. The combination of the zesty lemon, briny capers, and rich butter sauce complements the delicate cod perfectly. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or treat yourself to a gourmet meal at home, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy!