Description
This tilapia in roasted pepper sauce is a light, flavorful, and elegant yet easy-to-make dish. Tender pan-seared tilapia fillets are smothered in a silky roasted red pepper garlic sauce, making it perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal.
Ingredients
Tilapia
- 4 tilapia fillets (about 6 oz each)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
Roasted Pepper Sauce
- 1 cup roasted red peppers (jarred or homemade)
- 3 cloves garlic
- ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- ¼ cup chicken or vegetable broth
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare Tilapia: Pat tilapia fillets dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika to ensure enhanced flavor during cooking.
- Heat Skillet: Warm olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat until hot and fragrant.
- Sear Fish: Place tilapia fillets in the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes per side until the fish is golden brown and cooked through. Remove fillets from the skillet and set aside.
- Blend Sauce Ingredients: In a blender or food processor, combine roasted red peppers and garlic cloves. Blend until smooth and well combined.
- Cook Sauce: Pour the blended pepper mixture into the same skillet over medium heat. Stir in broth, cream, smoked paprika, and optional red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Finish Sauce: Stir in Parmesan cheese if using, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Fish and Sauce: Return the tilapia fillets to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the fish. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes to warm the fish through and let the flavors meld.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley or basil and serve immediately for best flavor.
Notes
- Jarred roasted red peppers work perfectly for convenience and save prep time.
- Substitute cod, haddock, or halibut as alternative white fish options if desired.
- For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk instead of cream and omit Parmesan cheese.
- Serve with sides such as rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- The sauce can be made ahead of time and gently reheated before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
