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A simple and bright pan-seared cod dish coated lightly in flour then cooked in a lemon and caper butter sauce, yielding flaky, flavorful fillets with a golden crust and tangy sauce.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cod fillets
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
  • 2 tablespoons oil (such as olive or vegetable)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1–2 lemons)
  • 2 tablespoons capers
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Pat cod fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
  2. Lightly dredge the cod fillets in flour, shaking off any excess.
  3. Heat oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the butter is foaming and the pan is hot.
  4. Carefully place the cod fillets in the skillet and pan-sear until golden brown on one side, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. Flip the fillets and cook until the other side is golden brown and the fish is cooked through, about 3-4 minutes more.
  6. Remove the cooked fillets from the skillet and transfer to a plate.
  7. Pour fresh lemon juice into the skillet and use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the pan to deglaze it.
  8. Add the capers to the lemon juice in the skillet.
  9. Simmer the sauce until it reduces slightly and becomes glossy, about 1-2 minutes.
  10. Nestle the seared cod fillets back into the skillet with the sauce and spoon the sauce over the fillets to heat through for about 1 minute.
  11. Optionally garnish with chopped parsley and lemon slices before serving.

Notes

Serve with simple sides such as steamed vegetables or creamy purée., Pair with fresh lemon slices or chopped parsley for garnish., Using fresh lemon juice is key to the bright, zesty flavor., Use a large skillet to provide even cooking and easy flipping., A lemon juicer helps to extract fresh juice efficiently., Try using different types of white fish if desired., The dish can be given a spicy twist by adding red pepper flakes or chili., Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and can also be frozen for later enjoyment.

  • Author: Laura
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 fillet
  • Calories: Approx. 220 calories per serving
  • Fat: Approx. 10 grams per serving
  • Carbohydrates: Approx. 5 grams per serving
  • Protein: Approx. 25 grams per serving