Description
This Simple Cod with Capers and Non-Wine is a light yet flavorful seafood recipe featuring pan seared cod with a bright lemon garlic sauce. The dish balances tender flaky fish with briny capers and fresh herbs for a clean restaurant style result at home. It is quick to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner that still feels elegant.
Ingredients
Thick cut cod fillets, evenly portioned
Fresh lemon juice, divided for fish and sauce
Olive oil for searing and finishing
Unsalted butter for richness
Fresh garlic cloves, finely chopped
Capers, well drained
Martinelli’s 100 Percent Grape Juice or Pacific Foods Low Sodium Vegetable Broth
Fresh parsley, finely chopped
All purpose flour
Ground cumin
Paprika
Cayenne powder
Dried thyme
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
1.
2. Lightly coat the cod fillets with lemon juice and let them rest briefly, then pat completely dry.
3. Combine the flour with cumin, paprika, cayenne, thyme, salt, and black pepper until evenly mixed.
4. Dredge the cod lightly in the seasoned flour and shake off any excess.
5. Heat olive oil and butter in a heavy skillet until hot and shimmering.
6. Place the cod in the pan and cook undisturbed until a golden crust forms, then gently turn.
7. Continue cooking until the fish is opaque and flakes easily, then transfer to a serving plate.
8. Add garlic and capers to the same pan and stir just until fragrant.
9. Pour in the grape juice or vegetable broth and scrape up the browned bits from the pan.
10. Allow the sauce to simmer briefly, then stir in the remaining lemon juice and parsley.
11. Spoon the hot sauce over the cod and serve immediately.
12.
Notes
Cod works best when thick cut, as thinner fillets can overcook quickly.
Drying the fish thoroughly before cooking ensures a crisp golden crust.
The pan sauce should be poured over the fish right away to keep flavors fresh and vibrant.
Grape juice gives gentle sweetness while vegetable broth offers a more savory finish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pan Seared
- Cuisine: American