Pan-Seared Cod with Zesty Lemon-Caper Sauce

• Cod fillets

  2 pieces
• Lemon

  1 piece
• Capers

  2 tablespoons
• Olive oil

  2 tablespoons
• Unsalted butter

  1 tablespoon
• Garlic

  2 cloves
• Fresh parsley, chopped

  2 tablespoons
• Salt

  0.5 teaspoon
• Black pepper

  0.3 teaspoon

All Steps

1. 1

   Pat the cod fillets dry thoroughly with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.

2. 2

   Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.

3. 3

   Carefully place the cod fillets in the hot skillet. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the fish flakes easily with a fork. Remove the cod from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

4. 4

   Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

5. 5

   Pour in the juice from half of the lemon (about 1.5 tablespoons) and add the capers. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the sauce simmer for 1-2 minutes until slightly reduced.

6. 6

   Stir in the fresh chopped parsley. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.

7. 7

   Return the seared cod fillets to the skillet, spooning the lemon-caper sauce generously over them. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.