Description
This Best Tilapia in Roasted Pepper Sauce recipe features tender, flaky tilapia fillets smothered in a creamy, smoky roasted red pepper sauce. It’s an elegant yet simple dish that’s bursting with Mediterranean-inspired flavor — perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
- 4 tilapia fillets (about 1 1/2 lbs total)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- For the Roasted Pepper Sauce:
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 jar (12 oz) roasted red peppers, drained
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Fish: Pat tilapia fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook tilapia for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté onion for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add roasted red peppers and cook for another 2 minutes. Transfer mixture to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
- Return the blended sauce to the skillet. Stir in cream, broth, Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, and lemon juice. Simmer for 3–4 minutes, until thickened and creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Combine: Add the cooked tilapia back into the skillet, spooning the sauce over the fillets. Simmer for 1–2 minutes to warm through.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or basil and serve immediately.
- Delicious served over rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta.
Notes
- Substitute tilapia with cod, haddock, or salmon for variation.
- For a lighter sauce, replace heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk.
- Make it spicy by adding extra crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days and reheat gently.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: Mediterranean