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Beyond the algorithm itself and the original paper by Larry Page and Sergey Brin, this is an interesting read for anyone curious about how linear algebra applies to one of the most influential algorithms in the history of the web.
https://t.co/NlGMELVK6W
Cod Piccata with Capers and Lemon Butter
Serves: 4 | Prep: 15 min | Cook: 15 min
Ingredients
For the cod:
4 cod fillets (6 oz each), about 1 inch thick
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp paprika (optional, for color)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter
For the lemon butter sauce:
3 tbsp unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup dry white wine (Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc) or chicken broth
3 tbsp fresh lemon juice (about 1 1/2 lemons)
1 tsp lemon zest
2 tbsp capers, drained (plus 1 tsp caper brine, optional)
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For serving:
Lemon slices or wedges
Extra chopped parsley
Angel hair pasta, rice, or crusty bread
Instructions
1. Prep the cod
Pat the fillets very dry with paper towels โ this is the key to a good sear. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Mix the flour, garlic powder, and paprika on a plate. Dredge each fillet lightly, shaking off the excess so it's a thin coat, not a thick one.
2. Sear the fish
Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When it shimmers, add the fillets. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, without moving them, until golden brown and the fish flakes easily. Work in batches if needed so the pan isn't crowded.
Transfer the cod to a warm plate and tent loosely with foil.
3. Make the sauce
Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant โ don't let it brown.
Pour in the white wine and let it bubble for 1-2 minutes, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, and caper brine if using, and simmer for 1 minute.
4. Finish with butter
Reduce the heat to low. Whisk in the remaining 3 tbsp butter one piece at a time, swirling the pan, until the sauce is glossy and slightly thickened. Do this off a hard boil so the sauce doesn't break.
Stir in the capers and red pepper flakes. Taste and adjust the salt, lemon, and pepper. The sauce should be bright and tangy, not heavy.
5. Combine
Return the cod to the skillet, spooning sauce over each fillet. Warm through for 1 minute. Scatter over the parsley.
6. Serve
Plate the cod and pour the lemon butter sauce over the top. Add lemon wedges on the side and serve over angel hair pasta, rice, or with bread to soak up the sauce.
Tips
Dry fish + hot pan = crisp edges. Any moisture on the fillet will steam it instead of searing it, and the coating will slide off.
Flour lightly. A heavy dredge turns gummy in the sauce.
Whisk the butter in off the heat or on low. High heat is what makes a butter sauce separate into grease.
Capers are salty, so taste the sauce before adding more salt.
Fresh lemon juice only. Bottled tastes flat and dulls the sauce.
Other fish that work well: halibut, tilapia, snapper, or thin chicken cutlets (pound to 1/2 inch and cook the same way).
No wine? Use chicken broth with an extra squeeze of lemon and a splash of white wine vinegar.
Serve immediately. The coating softens as it sits in the sauce.