Fish Piccata

Ever have one of those evenings where you want something comforting, flavour-packed, and just a little fancy... but you also don’t want to spend an hour in the kitchen (or end up with a mountain of dishes)? That’s exactly where this Fish Piccata comes in.

This beautifully light and zesty dish ticks all the boxes—it’s quick to cook, made with pantry staples, and comes together in a single pan. And the best part? It tastes like something you’d order at a coastal restaurant on holiday in Italy. Yep, it’s that good.

So, if you're looking for a nourishing dinner that’s easy to pull off but still feels like a little moment of self-care, keep reading. We’re diving into one of my favourite simple-yet-satisfying weeknight meals.

WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS FISH PICCATA.

This isn’t your average "healthy dinner"—it’s light, but deeply flavourful. The fish is gently pan-fried until golden, then bathed in a lemony, buttery sauce with capers and fresh parsley. It’s got that perfect balance of richness and brightness, with just enough of a punch from the lemon to keep it interesting.

Here’s why it’ll earn a regular spot in your meal rotation:

• Quick & easy – From fridge to table in about 20 minutes

• Light yet satisfying – Perfect for warmer nights or when you want something fresh

• Meal prep-friendly – Make extra sauce and drizzle it over grains or veggies the next day

• Customisable – Easily adapt it to suit your preferences or dietary needs

FISH PICCATA RECIPE.

Serves: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

450g (1 lb) firm white fish fillets (cod, snapper, or barramundi work well)

1 tsp. dried oregano

1 tsp. paprika

¾ tsp. garlic powder

Salt and pepper, to taste

4 tbsp. all-purpose flour (for dredging)

3 tbsp. olive oil

3 tbsp. unsalted butter, divided

Juice of 2 lemons

120ml (4 fl oz) chicken stock

4 tbsp. capers, drained

Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish

METHOD.

1. Season the Fish:
   Pat your fish fillets dry with a paper towel. Combine oregano, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then sprinkle over both sides of the fish.

2. Dredge in Flour:
   Lightly coat each fillet in flour, shaking off any excess. This helps give the fish a light, crispy crust.

3. Sear the Fish:
   In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 2 tbsp. butter over medium-high heat. Cook the fish for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.

4. Make the Sauce:
   Lower the heat and add the remaining butter to the pan. Stir in lemon juice, chicken stock, and capers. Let it simmer gently for a couple of minutes.

5. Combine:
   Return the fish to the pan, spooning the sauce over to soak up the flavour. Let it warm through for another minute.

6. Serve:
   Plate up with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and enjoy with your favourite side.

LET'S TALK SIDES: WHAT TO SERVE WITH FISH PICCATA.

This recipe is full of zesty, punchy flavour, so you’ll want sides that are simple but satisfying. Here are a few of my favourites:

For a Light Meal:

Steamed broccolini with olive oil and lemon zest

Rocket salad with shaved fennel and cucumber

Cauliflower mash with garlic

For Something Heartier:

Herbed couscous or quinoa

Brown rice or lemony farro

Roasted baby potatoes with fresh herbs

And if you want to go all out, add a glass of chilled white wine and a crusty slice of sourdough to soak up that sauce.

TURNING THIS INTO A WARM OR COLD SALAD.

Want to stretch this dish into something more versatile, or perhaps meal-prep friendly? Good news—it makes an incredible salad base.

For Warm Weather:

Base: Toss together mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.

Protein: Flake the fish over the top, drizzle with the lemon-caper sauce.

Extras: Add avocado slices, olives, or boiled eggs for a Mediterranean twist.

For Cooler Days:

Base: Use a grain like brown rice, barley, or quinoa as your salad base.

Warm It Up: Keep the fish and sauce warm, then spoon over the cooked grains.

Roasted Veggies: Add roasted pumpkin or sweet potato for extra comfort.

This dish really does it all—dinner, lunch, leftovers for tomorrow, and something you’ll be excited to dig into no matter the weather.

TIPS FOR EFFORTLESS HEALTHY COOKING.

Healthy eating doesn’t need to be complicated, and this recipe is a great example of how you can create a nourishing, flavourful meal with just a few pantry staples.

Here are a few tips to make your dinner prep even smoother:

Keep fish fillets in your freezer

Look for sustainable, wild-caught fish, portioned and frozen. That way you always have a protein source ready to go.

Double the sauce

It’s so good! Pour leftovers over roasted veggies, grain bowls, or even scrambled eggs the next day.

Mix and match your protein

This method also works beautifully with chicken breasts or tofu if you want to switch things up.

Batch cook your grains

Cook a pot of brown rice or quinoa at the start of the week to use as a base for meals like this one.

A NOTE ON CAPERS: (Tiny But Mighty).

If you’re new to capers, they’re little green flavour bombs that add brininess and depth to any dish. Just a few tablespoons in this sauce bring everything to life—and balance the lemony brightness beautifully.

No capers on hand? You can substitute:

• Chopped green olives

• A splash of white wine vinegar

• A few minced gherkins (for a touch of tartness)

LEFTOVERS? YES PLEASE!

This dish keeps surprisingly well, which makes it ideal for weekday lunches or quick dinners the next night.

How to Store:

• Store fish and sauce separately if possible to maintain texture.

• Reheat gently in a pan or microwave with a splash of water or extra lemon juice.

Leftover Remix Ideas:

• Flake into tacos with a tangy slaw

• Serve over greens as a protein-packed salad

• Stir into cooked pasta with some wilted spinach

FINAL THOUGHTS.

Fish Piccata might sound fancy, but at its heart, it’s a beautifully simple dish made with ingredients you probably already have on hand. It’s proof that healthy, home-cooked meals can be quick, satisfying, and filled with vibrant flavour.

Whether you’re making it for a casual Tuesday night dinner or to impress your weekend guests, this recipe always delivers. And with just one pan and a few fresh ingredients, it’s the kind of meal that makes healthy eating feel totally effortless—and delicious.

READY TO MAKE IT?

Find the full recipe above, and when you give it a go, don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram @MichelleMitchellHealthCoach. I love seeing your creations, especially when they bring a little extra joy and nourishment to your day.

Happy cooking!