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Quick Tilapia in Roasted Pepper Sauce garnished with fresh herbs on a plate.

Quick Tilapia in Roasted Pepper Sauce

A cozy and impressive meal made with tilapia fillets cooked in a smoky, creamy roasted pepper sauce. Perfect for quick dinners without sacrificing flavor.
Servings 4 servings
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

For the Tilapia

  • 4 fillets Tilapia fillets (fresh or thawed) Can substitute with cod, haddock, or salmon.
  • 1 tbsp Olive oil or butter For searing the fish.
  • 1 splash Lemon juice To enhance flavor.
  • to taste Salt and black pepper For seasoning.
  • 1 tsp Smoked paprika For seasoning.

For the Roasted Pepper Sauce

  • 1 jar Jarred roasted red peppers Or homemade roasted peppers.
  • 1 cup Chicken broth or veggie broth For the sauce base.
  • 1 medium Onion (or shallot), chopped For flavoring the sauce.
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced For flavoring the sauce.
  • 1 splash Cream (or half and half) Optional, for richness in sauce.
  • 1 pinch Red pepper flakes Optional, for spice.
  • to taste Basil or parsley, for garnish Optional, for freshness.

Instructions

Preparation

  • Pat the tilapia fillets dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
  • Warm a skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Sear the fillets for about 2 minutes on each side until they are lightly browned. Remove and set aside.

Make the Sauce

  • In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed and sauté the chopped onion for 3 to 4 minutes until soft.
  • Add the minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds.
  • Add the roasted red peppers and broth, blending until smooth using an immersion blender, or carefully transfer to a blender.
  • Stir in a splash of cream if using, and let it simmer for 3 to 5 minutes. Season with more salt and pepper to taste, and a squeeze of lemon.

Finish Tilapia

  • Return the tilapia to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top. Simmer gently for 2 to 4 minutes, until fish flakes easily.
  • Serve immediately with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to maintain texture. Sauce can be frozen for up to 2 months. Avoid microwaving tilapia as it may turn rubbery.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3g
Calories: 350kcal
Course: dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Seafood
Keyword: comfort food, Easy Recipe, quick dinner, Roasted Pepper Sauce, Tilapia