Pan Seared Cod Piccata is a delicious and easy way to elevate your weeknight dinner. This dish features tender cod filets seared to perfection, then topped with a zesty lemon butter caper sauce that’s both rich and refreshing. It’s a light, yet satisfying meal that pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes, making it a versatile addition to your dinner rotation.
Not a fan of fish? Try my Chicken Piccata recipe.
Why You Should Make This Cod Piccata
- Quick and Easy: This pan seared cod piccata comes together in well under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful: The combination of lemon, butter, and capers creates a sauce that’s bright and full of flavor.
- Healthy: Cod is a lean source of protein, and this dish is lighter than traditional piccata recipes that use chicken or veal.
- Versatile: You can easily substitute the cod with other white fish, and the dish pairs well with a variety of sides.
Ingredients
- Cod: Substitute with halibut, haddock, or another firm white fish.
- Flour: Use a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option.
- Rice flour or cornstarch: Either can be used for a light, crispy coating.
- Chicken stock: Substitute with vegetable stock for a vegetarian option, or white wine.
How to Make Pan Seared Cod Piccata
- Season both sides of the cod with salt and pepper.
- In a shallow dish, combine the flour, rice flour or cornstarch, with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Dredge the cod filets in the flour mixture.
- Heat the oil with two tablespoons of butter in a pan.
- Once heated, sear the cod on both sides until fully cooked (about 3-4 minutes on the first side, then flip and cook for another 2 minutes). Transfer the cod to a platter and keep warm.
- In the same pan, remove any excess grease. Pour in the chicken stock, lemon juice and two tablespoons of butter. Simmer the sauce until it thickens.
- Add the capers, fresh parsley and the remaining two tablespoons of butter. Stir until the butter melts and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more stock.
- Spoon the lemon butter caper sauce over the seared cod.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices before serving.
How to Serve and Store Cod Piccata
- Rice or quinoa: The lemon butter caper sauce pairs perfectly with these grains, which soak up the lemony goodness.
- Roasted vegetables: Try asparagus, broccol or Brussels sprouts for a healthy side.
- Mashed potatoes: For a more indulgent meal, serve with creamy homemade mashed potatoes.
- Almond Rice Pilaf: For a bit of texture, almond rice pilaf would pair well with this pan seared cod piccata.
How to Store Leftovers:
- Refrigerate: Store any leftover cod piccata in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven.
More Cod Recipes to Love
- Baked Cod with Brown Butter
- Blackened Cod with Creamy Pan Sauce
- Easy Pan Fried Cod with Lemon Butter Sauce
- Oven-Roasted Cod with Mediterranean-Style Sauce
- Poached Cod with Tomatoes and Caperberries
- Cod with Cherry Tomatoes
Pan Seared Cod Piccata
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 3 to 4 servings 1x
Description
This Pan Seared Cod Piccata features tender, seared cod filets topped with a zesty lemon butter caper sauce that’s both rich and refreshing.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds cod
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/3 cup flour
- 2 tablespoons rice flour or cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 tablespoons butter, divided
- 3/4 cup chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed and drained
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley, plus more for garnish
- Lemon slices, for garnish
Instructions
- Pat the cod filets dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- In a shallow dish, combine the flour, rice flour or cornstarch, with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Dredge the cod filets in the flour mixture, coating both sides.
- Heat the olive oil with two tablespoons of butter in a pan over medium-high heat.
- Once heated, sear the cod on both sides until fully cooked (about 3-4 minutes on the first side, then flip and cook for another 2 minutes). Transfer the cod to a platter and keep warm.
- In the same pan, remove any excess grease. Pour in the chicken stock, lemon juice and two tablespoons of butter.
- Simmer the sauce until it thickens.
- Add the capers, fresh parsley, and the remaining two tablespoons of butter to the sauce. Stir until the butter melts and the sauce is smooth.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little more stock.
- Spoon the lemon butter caper sauce over the seared cod.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices before serving.
- ENJOY!
Notes
- Fresh cod is best. If using frozen, be sure to thaw properly in the fridge.
- Pat the cod filets dry before seasoning and dredging.
- Make sure the oil and butter are hot before adding the cod to the pan.
- Try not to overcook the fish. Cook times will vary depending upon the thickness of the fish.
- Keep the fish warm in a warmed oven (turned off) while you prepare the piccata sauce.
- If the sauce is too thick, add in a touch more stock.
- Easily substitute the cod with your favorite white fish or even salmon.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Easy
- Cuisine: Seafood
Keywords: Pan-Seared Cod Piccata, easy cod piccata dinner, lemon garlic cod piccata, simple cod piccata meal, cod piccata with capers, classic cod piccata dish, quick cod piccata idea, flavorful cod piccata dinner, creamy lemon cod piccata, zesty cod piccata meal, pan-seared cod piccata, delicious cod piccata meal, cod piccata with lemon, cod piccata for dinner, herbed cod piccata delight, lemon butter caper sauce, easy weeknight cod dish, healthy fish dinner, lemon parsley cod, simple seafood piccata, cod with lemon and capers, quick and easy seafood dinner, light fish meal idea, fresh cod piccata, gluten-free cod piccata option, buttery lemon caper sauce, cod with lemon butter, fast seafood dinner idea, cod fillet recipe, easy lemon caper fish, buttery cod with capers
GET TO KNOW ME!
WELCOME! My name is Melissa Latin aka. Charlotte Fashion Plate. Happy to meet you! I am more than just recipes. I love fashion and style too! Most importantly, I love my Family (my Hubby and my Fur Babies). My Husband (aka my “Kitchen Bitch”) means the world to me. He’s pretty damn cool too. Not only is he one of the nicest guys you will ever meet, he also has had a lengthy career in professional hockey. Not only winning two Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins in the early ’90’s, but most recently winning the Calder Cup with the Charlotte Checkers, amongst many other accolades. If you live in Charlotte and play hockey, or have a family member who plays, be sure to contact him!
Our life has changed dramatically in the past few years with the passing of our two goldendoodles, Vegas and Viva. We were lucky enough to have Vegas for five years (totally wish it was longer). Most recently, losing our Viva to a brain tumor in July of 2020. We welcomed our mini goldendoodle 7, almost seven years ago. We just added the amazing Hazel! Of course, I am always posting tons and tons of photos! Be sure to check out my recipe for Pet Bone Broth! This broth is super rich in nutrients and will provide your pet with a multitude of health benefits!
In addition, I’m so very excited to announce I have published my first e-book and paperback, “Mastering Thanksgiving – A Guide to Perfecting Your Thanksgiving Dinner.” Your support would mean the world to me.
Let’s Get Social!
Be sure to follow me on social media! I’m always talking food, fashion, and family! I also love sharing some of my favorite Amazon Finds too. Click here to check out my Amazon page! Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and Pinterest! Check out my LTK to find out what I’m wearing! THANK YOU!
No comment yet, add your voice below!