Fish Piccata

Fish Piccata

Fish Piccata is a delightful twist on the classic Italian chicken piccata, featuring tender, flaky fish in a tangy lemon-caper sauce. This dish is light, flavorful, and ready in minutes, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant weekend meal.

The lemon and capers add a refreshing acidity that complements the fish beautifully, creating a balanced and sophisticated dish. Follow this recipe to create a restaurant-quality Fish Piccata that’s both easy to make and satisfying to enjoy.

Ingredients

For this recipe, we recommend using mild white fish such as tilapia, cod, or sole, which works well with the bright flavors of the sauce.

For the Fish:

• White fish fillets (such as tilapia, sole, or cod) – 4 fillets, about 6 ounces each
• Salt and black pepper – to taste
• All-purpose flour – ½ cup, for dredging
• Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
• Butter – 2 tablespoons, divided

For the Piccata Sauce:

• Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
• White wine – ½ cup (optional, can be replaced with fish or chicken broth)
• Lemon juice – 3 tablespoons (from 1-2 lemons)
• Capers – 2 tablespoons, drained and rinsed
• Chicken or fish broth – ½ cup
• Fresh parsley – 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Lemon slices – for garnish (optional)

How to Make Fish Piccata

Step 1: Prepare the Fish

Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels, then season both sides with salt and black pepper.

Place the flour in a shallow dish. Lightly dredge each fillet in the flour, shaking off any excess.

Step 2: Cook the Fish

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter until melted and hot.

Add the fish fillets to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The fish should flake easily with a fork.

Carefully transfer the cooked fillets to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.

Step 3: Make the Piccata Sauce

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Pour in the white wine (or additional broth) and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce slightly.

Add the lemon juice, capers, and chicken or fish broth. Simmer for another 2 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter and continue to cook until the sauce is slightly thickened, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 4: Return the Fish to the Skillet

Place the cooked fish fillets back into the skillet with the sauce, spooning the sauce over the fillets to coat them.

Let the fish heat through for 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Garnish the fish with chopped parsley and lemon slices.

Serve hot with a side of pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables.

Serving Suggestion: Fish Piccata is traditionally served with pasta or risotto to soak up the tangy sauce, but you can also enjoy it with steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a lighter meal.

Chef’s Note

For the best flavor, use fresh lemon juice and high-quality capers, as they are the stars of this dish. While white wine adds depth to the sauce, you can substitute it with extra broth if you prefer a non-alcoholic version. Be careful not to overcook the fish; it should be cooked just until flaky to keep it tender and moist. If using thicker fish fillets, adjust the cooking time slightly.

Piccata sauce is quite versatile and can also be used with other proteins, including chicken or shrimp. You can customize it by adding thinly sliced shallots, fresh thyme, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. This dish is best served immediately to preserve the vibrant flavors and texture of the fish.

Nutritional Information (per serving, assuming four servings)

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g
• Cholesterol: 75mg
• Sodium: 460mg

This dish is high in protein and relatively low in carbs, making it a great choice for those following a lighter or low-carb diet. The healthy fats from olive oil and moderate butter enhance the sauce without overwhelming the nutritional profile. Lemon juice adds vitamin C, while capers provide a small dose of antioxidants and other nutrients, making Fish Piccata not only delicious but also nutritious.

Conclusion

Fish Piccata is an ideal recipe for home cooks who want to create a flavorful and elegant dish with minimal effort. The tangy, buttery lemon-caper sauce perfectly complements the tender fish, bringing out the best in each ingredient.

This recipe is simple yet sophisticated, making it perfect for a weeknight treat or a weekend dinner party. Enjoy it with pasta, rice, or vegetables for a complete, balanced meal that highlights the beauty of fresh ingredients and classic Italian flavors. Give this Fish Piccata a try, and savor a taste of Italy in the comfort of your own kitchen!

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