Ingredients
1/2 cup all purpose flour
Four 6-ounce (170g) thin boneless, skinless white-fleshed fish fillets, about 1/2- to 3/4-inch thick, such as flounder, scrod, haddock, or branzino
1¼ tsp salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 tablespoons vegetable oil
5-6 tablespoons white wine
1 1/2 tablespoons drained capers in vinegar
4 tablespoons butter, cut into tablespoon-size pieces, plus 1 tablespoon butter mashed into a paste with 1/4 teaspoon all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 tablespoons minced flat-leaf parsley leaves and tender stems
Season fish fillets all over with salt and pepper. Working with one piece of fish at a time, dredge fillets in flour, shaking off excess. Transfer to a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper
In a large nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Working in batches if necessary, add fish, presentation side down, and cook until well browned on on first side, 3 to 4 minutes (it's okay if the fillets are mostly cooked through at this point). Using two spatulas, if necessary, carefully flip each fillet and continue cooking until just cooked through and flesh is opaque throughout, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Carefully transfer fish, well-browned side up, to a serving platter and keep warm.
Wipe out skillet, then return to medium-high heat, add wine, and bring to a boil. Cook until alcohol smell has mostly cooked off and wine is reduced by about half, about 2 minutes. Add capers, the 4 tablespoons plain unsalted butter, and butter-flour mixture and cook, whisking constantly, until butter has melted.
Lower heat to medium and continue to simmer while whisking until a creamy, emulsified sauce has formed; when ready, it should coat the back of a spoon and a finger dragged through it should leave a trail. If the sauce over-reduces and breaks at any point, whisk in cold water 1 tablespoon at a time to bring it back together. Whisk in lemon juice and parsley. Season with salt, then pour sauce over fish fillets and serve right away.
Serious Eats