Description
This Lemon Caper Cod recipe features tender cod fillets baked in a rich brown butter sauce infused with garlic, lemon zest, capers, and fresh parsley. The combination of bright, tangy lemon and salty capers creates a flavorful and elegant dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
For the 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
For the Cod:
- 6 cod fillets, skin removed and patted dry
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C / gas mark 4) to prepare for finishing the cod in the oven.
- Brown Butter: In a large non-stick or oven-safe skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Swirl the pan frequently and cook until the butter turns a light golden-brown color, releasing a nutty aroma.
- Sauté Garlic: Add minced garlic, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and lemon zest to the browned butter. Cook for 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
- Simmer Sauce: Reduce heat to medium and pour in the vegetable stock. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Then add the rinsed capers and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to soften.
- Add Lemon Juice and Parsley: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley. Taste the sauce and adjust salt or pepper if needed.
- Prepare Cod: Season both sides of each cod fillet evenly with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
- Bake Cod: Place the seasoned cod fillets into the skillet, spoon some of the sauce over each fillet, then transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake uncovered for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with extra fresh parsley and lemon slices if desired. Spoon additional sauce over the cod. Serve warm immediately and enjoy your flavorful lemon caper cod.
Notes
- Be sure to brown the butter carefully to avoid burning; it should be golden and nutty smelling.
- You can substitute veggie stock with chicken stock if preferred.
- For a gluten-free version, verify that the vegetable stock contains no gluten.
- Capers add a salty, tangy flavor; adjust quantity to taste.
- Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of cod fillets.
- Leftover cod can be refrigerated for up to 2 days but is best eaten fresh.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
