Description
Mediterranean lemon-caper crusted cod delivers a zesty symphony of flavors from coastal kitchens. Crispy herb-infused crust and tangy capers elevate this seafood classic, promising a delightful culinary journey you’ll savor with every elegant bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 0.5 pounds (226 grams) thick cut cod fillet (cut into 4–5 pieces)
Coating and Seasonings:
- 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 0.25 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 1 dash cayenne powder
Liquid and Herbs:
- 4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (divided)
- 2–3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 0.5 cup dry vermouth (or dry white wine)
- 5 medium cloves garlic (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons capers
- 0.5 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Marinate cod fillets with lemon juice for 15-30 minutes to enhance flavor and tenderize the fish.
- Prepare seasoned flour mixture in a shallow dish, ensuring even coating of spices.
- Carefully dredge each cod fillet in the seasoned flour, gently tapping to remove excess coating.
- Preheat cast iron skillet with olive oil and butter over medium-high heat until oil shimmers.
- Gently place floured cod into hot skillet, cooking for 3-4 minutes until bottom turns golden and crisp.
- Flip fish and continue cooking for additional 3-4 minutes, ensuring even browning and thorough cooking.
- Transfer perfectly cooked cod to serving platter, maintaining crisp exterior.
- In same skillet, quickly sauté minced garlic and capers for 20-30 seconds, releasing aromatic flavors.
- Deglaze pan with vermouth, scraping up browned bits from bottom of skillet.
- Add remaining lemon juice and chopped parsley, allowing sauce to reduce and intensify for 1 minute.
- Pour fragrant sauce directly over cod fillets, ensuring even distribution of capers and herbs.
- Serve immediately while fish remains hot and crispy, with sauce adding bright, tangy finish.
Notes
- Marinate cod with lemon juice beforehand to enhance tenderness and infuse delicate citrus notes into the fish.
- Use a gluten-free flour blend for those with wheat sensitivities, maintaining the same crispy texture and golden-brown crust.
- Pat fish completely dry before dredging to ensure maximum crispiness and prevent soggy coating during cooking.
- Choose fresh, high-quality cod fillets with firm texture for best results, preferably from sustainable seafood sources.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 190 kcal
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 410 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg