Brown Butter Cod with Capers

Brown butter cod with capers is an easy delicious main course fish recipe that can be made in 15 minutes or less, with restaurant-worthy flavors. 

Jump to:

• Why You Will Love This Brown Butter Cod Recipe
• Brown Butter Cod With Capers Ingredients
• Ingredient Notes
• How To Make Brown Butter Cod With Capers
• Side Dishes To Serve With Brown Butter Cod
• Storing & Reheating
• FAQ
• More Recipes You'll Love
• Recipe
• Reviews

Why You Will Love This Brown Butter Cod Recipe

This brown butter cod recipe is an easy weeknight meal that can be made in 15 minutes or less. There are many different ways to cook cod, and it all comes down to personal preference. Similar to my orange maple glazed salmon, we baked the fish fillets instead of pan-frying to avoid overcooking or adding excess oil.  This simple cooking method allows you to focus on browning the butter. After all, the richness of the brown butter sauce is what makes this dish so great. Here are more reasons why you will love this recipe:

• Flaky fish baked to perfection. Cod is a delicate fish that can easily fall apart when overhandling or pan-searing. Baking cod is an easy way to retain both its moisture and flavor.
• A brown butter sauce that is easy to make and packed full of flavor. While the cod cooks you'll make the brown butter sauce in a skillet on the stovetop. This sauce has a rich nutty flavor, with notes of caramelized garlic and tangy capers.
• Simple healthy ingredients. A fast weeknight dinner with fresh ingredients makes all the difference.

Brown Butter Cod With Capers Ingredients

You’ll need the following ingredients to make this amazing brown butter cod with capers recipe.

Ingredient Notes

• Cod Fish Fillets: You can use fresh fish or frozen wild-caught cod. If cod is not available, halibut, mahi mahi, or another flaky white fish will work too. A drizzle of olive oil on top helps keep the fish moist, while salt and black pepper add flavor.
• Brown Butter Sauce: A combination of unsalted butter, minced garlic, and capers make the most delicious rich, and fragrant sauce.
• Garnish: Chopped fresh parsley in the brown butter adds a lovely pop of color. You can also use chives or any other fresh herbs.

Find the printable recipe with full instructions and measurements below.

How To Make Brown Butter Cod With Capers

1. Prepare the fish. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Remove the cod filets 15 minutes before baking. Pat the fish dry with paper towels on both sides. Place the cod on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Lightly oil the top of the fish, and season with salt and black pepper.
2. Bake the fish. Place the baking sheet in the oven to bake for 10-12 minutes depending on the thickness of the cod. You will know the cod is fully baked when its internal temperature reads 145°F. The color will be opaque and glossy with a texture that is firm to touch, and easily flakes with a fork.
3. Make the brown butter sauce.  In a medium-sized frying pan or skillet over medium-low heat melt the butter. Using a rubber spatula, stir continuously. The butter will begin to foam and bubble while emitting a nutty aroma. This will take around 2-3 minutes. You will see the milk solids start to turn a golden brown color. (Make sure to closely watch the butter, as it can go from browned to burnt in a matter of seconds). Once the butter starts to brown, stir in the minced garlic for 30 seconds or until fragrant. Remove the skillet from the burner and turn off the heat. Stir in the capers. 
4. Spoon the sauce onto the fish. Using a fish spatula, transfer the cod fillets to a plate. Pour brown butter sauce evenly over each cod filet. Garnish with parsley, and serve with a side of lemon wedges. 

Side Dishes To Serve With Brown Butter Cod

There are many sides to serve with this easy fish recipe to make it a complete meal. Our favorites include arugula salad, roasted sweet potatoes, roasted potatoes, corn casserole, roasted asparagus, and roasted delicata squash.

Storing & Reheating

• To store in the fridge: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container, in the fridge for 2 to 3 days.
• For reheating: Simply reheat in the microwave for 30 seconds at a time until the fish is warmed through.

FAQ

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I hope you love this brown butter cod with capers recipe as much as I do! If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out in the comment box below. Your review will help other readers in the community.

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