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A fresh and simple dish featuring tender, flaky cod with a golden crust, finished in a silky lemon, butter, and caper sauce. Quick to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners or company.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cod fillets
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or rice flour/cornstarch for gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons neutral oil (canola)
  • 3 tablespoons butter (including cold butter for finishing sauce)
  • 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons capers (rinse if very salty)
  • 1/4 cup white wine or stock
  • Salt, to taste (added after capers)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley or other fresh herbs

Instructions

  1. Pat cod fillets dry with paper towels and let rest at room temperature for 10–15 minutes.
  2. Lightly dredge cod fillets in flour, shaking off excess.
  3. Let the floured fillets rest a few minutes to set the coating.
  4. Heat neutral oil and a knob of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the butter foams.
  5. Add fillets to the skillet in a single layer without crowding; cook in batches if necessary.
  6. Cook until the first side is golden, then flip once and cook until opaque and flakes easily, about a few minutes per side.
  7. Transfer cooked fillets to a plate and keep warm.
  8. Deglaze the skillet with freshly squeezed lemon juice and white wine or stock, scraping up browned bits.
  9. Add remaining liquid and bring to a simmer.
  10. Stir in capers and reduce the sauce until slightly thickened.
  11. Remove from heat and swirl in cold butter until sauce becomes silky and glossy.
  12. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt as needed.
  13. Stir in chopped fresh parsley or herbs.
  14. Spoon sauce over the cod fillets and serve.

Notes

Use paper towels to pat cod dry and bring to room temperature before cooking for better browning., Do not overcrowd the pan to maintain heat and achieve a crispy sear; cook in batches if needed., Turn the fish only once to avoid breaking it apart., If capers are very salty, rinse briefly before adding or use less., Finish the sauce off heat with cold butter for a smooth, shiny texture., For gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with rice flour or cornstarch., To reheat leftovers, warm gently in low oven (275–300°F / 135–150°C) or skillet; loosen thickened sauce with stock or water if needed., Add fresh herbs at the end to maintain vibrant color and flavor.

  • Author: Ashley
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus resting time)
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 fillet with sauce
  • Calories: Approx. 320 kcal per serving
  • Fat: Approx. 15g per serving
  • Carbohydrates: Approx. 10g per serving
  • Protein: Approx. 35g per serving