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Lemon Caper Cod Recipe

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4.1 from 79 reviews

This Lemon Caper Cod recipe offers a delightful combination of tender cod fillets cooked to perfection and topped with a vibrant lemon caper butter sauce. The sauce, rich with garlic, lemon zest, capers, and fresh parsley, brings a fresh and tangy flavor to the mild fish, making it an ideal dish for a quick yet elegant seafood meal.

Ingredients

Lemon Caper Butter Sauce

  • 1/4 cup (60 g / 2 oz) unsalted butter
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1/3 cup (80 ml / 2.7 fl oz) vegetable stock
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons capers, drained and rinsed
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, roughly chopped

Cod

  • 6 cod fillets, skin removed and patted dry
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Season the Cod: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides evenly with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper to enhance their natural flavor.
  2. Cook the Cod: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil or butter. Once hot, carefully place the cod fillets in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. Prepare the Lemon Caper Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to low and add 1/4 cup unsalted butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook gently until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 1/3 cup vegetable stock, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, stirring to combine.
  4. Add Capers and Lemon Juice: Stir in the drained capers and 2 tablespoons lemon juice, letting the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors and slightly reduce.
  5. Finish with Parsley and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in 1 tablespoon fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Spoon the warm lemon caper butter sauce generously over the cooked cod fillets and serve immediately.

Notes

  • For the best flavor, use fresh lemon juice and zest rather than bottled lemon juice.
  • If preferred, substitute vegetable stock with chicken stock or fish stock for a richer flavor.
  • Serve this dish with steamed vegetables or a light rice pilaf to complete your meal.
  • The sauce can be made ahead and gently reheated before serving.
  • Be careful not to overcook the cod as it can become dry; it is done when it flakes easily with a fork.

Find it online: https://justsosavory.com/lemon-caper-cod-recipe/