Cod Piccata with Orzo is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender cod, creamy orzo, and tangy capers creates a flavorful and satisfying meal that will impress your family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Great flavors: The blend of lemon, garlic, and butter in this dish creates a mouthwatering taste that you’ll love.
- Quick prep time: With just a few simple steps, you can have this dish ready to serve in no time.
- Perfect for meal prep: This recipe is great for making ahead and reheating for a quick and tasty meal during the week.
Ingredient Notes:
- Cod: Look for inch-thick fillets for even cooking. Halibut, haddock, or sea bass can be used as substitutes.
- Capers: Start with 1/4 cup and adjust to your taste preference. Make sure to drain them well before adding.
- Why no wine: Traditional piccata often includes white wine, but the lemon juice and chicken broth in this recipe provide a similar flavor without the need for wine.
- Skillet: A 12-inch cast iron skillet works best for this recipe, but a large oven-safe skillet will also work.
- Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free orzo for a gluten-free version of this dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Whisk together flour, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl.
- Dredge cod fillets in the flour mixture and cook in butter until golden brown.
- Sauté shallot, garlic, thyme, and red pepper flakes in the skillet.
- Add orzo, chicken broth, salt, and pepper to the skillet and cook until tender.
- Stir in heavy cream, lemon juice, spinach, and capers. Nestle cod fillets in the orzo and cook until heated through.
Helpful Tips:
- Pat the cod dry before dredging to ensure a crispy crust.
- Add a splash of broth when reheating leftovers to loosen up the orzo.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought.
- Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
- Serve with a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve Cod Piccata with Orzo with a side of garlic bread and a crisp white wine for a perfect meal pairing.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in a skillet with a splash of broth for best results.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use a different type of fish for this recipe?
- Yes, halibut, haddock, or sea bass can be used as substitutes for cod.
- Can I freeze this dish?
- Freezing is not recommended as it may affect the texture of the cod and orzo.
- How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
- Use a gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free orzo for a gluten-free version of this dish.
Conclusion:
Cod Piccata with Orzo is a versatile and flavorful dish that is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Give it a try and enjoy the delicious flavors of this easy-to-make meal!
Print
Cod Piccata with Orzo Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Cod Piccata with Orzo is a flavorful and creamy dish featuring tender cod fillets served over a bed of orzo pasta cooked in a lemony sauce with spinach and capers.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Main:
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound cod fillets
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 shallot
- 2 garlic cloves
- 3/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/4 – 1/2 cup capers
Instructions
- Dredge and cook the cod: Coat cod fillets in seasoned flour and cook in butter until golden.
- Sauté aromatics: Cook shallot, garlic, thyme, and red pepper flakes in butter.
- Cook orzo: Add orzo, broth, seasoning, and cook until tender.
- Finish dish: Stir in cream, lemon juice, spinach, place cod on top, add capers, and cook until heated through.
Notes
- Cod can be substituted with halibut, haddock, or sea bass.
- Vary capers amount according to taste preference.
- Recipe excludes wine due to cooking method.
- Best cooked in a 12-inch cast iron skillet.
- Gluten-free option available.
- Leftovers can be stored for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 470 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 1120 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg