Easy Fish Piccata

Easy Fish Piccata

4 servings
Lemony, briny and just a bit buttery, this easy fish piccata recipe with pan-seared trout and a lemon piccata sauce comes together in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound trout fillet

    or other thin white fish fillet such as sole, halibut, or grouper

  • Kosher salt and black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 cup flour for dredging

    ), (use whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, or gluten free flour of your choice

  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter or ghee

    divided

  • 2 lemons for the juice
  • 1/2 cup white wine

    or chicken broth

  • 4 tablespoons capers

    rinsed or drained

  • Fresh chopped parsley for garnish

Directions

  1. 1

    Season the fish on both sides with salt and pepper. Mix the oregano, paprika, and garlic powder and season the flesh side of the fish.

  2. 2

    To dredge, coat the fish on both sides with the flour. Gently shake excess flour.

  3. 3

    In a large cast iron skillet, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Carefully add the fish and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side (a total of 4 to 6 minutes), or until the fish is firm and flaky (being careful not to overcook the fish). Transfer the fish to a tray lined with paper towel to drain excess oil.

  4. 4

    To the same pan, add 1 more tablespoon of unsalted butter. Lower the heat, and add the lemon juice, white wine, and capers. Cook briefly over medium heat.

  5. 5

    Return the fish to the pan and spoon the sauce over the fish (give it just a few seconds to warm through in the sauce).

  6. 6

    Garnish with parsley and red pepper flakes, if using. Serve immediately!

Easy Fish Piccata

Easy Fish Piccata

30 min4 servings

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About this Recipe

Looking for a weeknight dinner that feels special but comes together in a flash? This Easy Fish Piccata recipe delivers bright, lemony flavor in under 30 minutes, turning simple pan-seared trout into an impressive meal.

What makes this dish a standout is the perfect balance of zesty lemon, briny capers, and a rich, buttery sauce, all harmonizing with delicate, flaky fish. It's a testament to how simple ingredients, combined thoughtfully, can create profound flavor with minimal effort. The quick cooking time of thin fish fillets ensures a tender result every time.

Imagine perfectly pan-seared trout, beautifully seasoned with dried oregano, paprika, and garlic powder, then bathed in a vibrant lemon piccata sauce. The sauce, made with fresh lemon juice and either white wine or chicken broth, offers a bright tang offset by the savory depth of capers and a luxurious finish from unsalted butter or ghee. You'll find the fish to be incredibly tender and flaky, soaking up all the incredible flavors of the sauce. The light dredge of flour ensures a lovely, slightly crisp exterior on the fish that holds up beautifully to the sauce.

Customization & Variations

You have options! Feel free to swap the trout for other thin white fish like sole, halibut, or grouper to suit your preference or what’s available. For dredging, you can use whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, or your favorite gluten-free flour. If you prefer not to use white wine, chicken broth makes an excellent substitute for the sauce base, providing a rich savory note without the alcohol.

This Easy Fish Piccata is perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal or a casual dinner party. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley for a final touch of color and freshness.

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