Tilapia in Roasted Pepper Sauce Recipe
Introduction
Tilapia in Roasted Pepper Sauce is a simple yet flavorful dish that transforms mild fish with a vibrant, smoky sauce. Roasting the peppers enhances their sweetness, while the lemon juice adds a bright, fresh finish. It’s a quick and satisfying meal perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
- 4 tilapia fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 2 large red bell peppers
- 3 garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the red bell peppers, toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread them on a baking sheet. Roast for about 20 minutes until the peppers are softened and slightly charred.
- Step 2: Blend the roasted peppers with garlic and freshly squeezed lemon juice until smooth to create the roasted pepper sauce.
- Step 3: Heat a skillet over medium heat and lightly oil it. Cook the tilapia fillets for 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and flaky inside.
- Step 4: Pour the roasted pepper sauce over the cooked fish and let it simmer for another minute before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Tips & Variations
- For extra depth, add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes to the roasted pepper sauce.
- Use fresh lime juice instead of lemon for a slightly different citrus note.
- If fresh bell peppers are out of season, jarred roasted red peppers work well—just adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve with steamed rice or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Storage
Store leftover tilapia and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid drying out the fish. The sauce can also be stored separately and used within 3 days.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of fish for this recipe?
Yes, firm white fish like cod, snapper, or sea bass work well and can be substituted for tilapia with similar cooking times.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free olive oil and ensure no cross-contamination occurs during preparation.
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Tilapia in Roasted Pepper Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Savor the vibrant flavors of tilapia fillets bathed in a smoky roasted red pepper sauce. This easy-to-make dish features tender, pan-seared fish complemented by a smooth and tangy sauce made from roasted peppers, garlic, and fresh lemon juice. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels gourmet.
Ingredients
For the Tilapia
- 4 tilapia fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Roasted Pepper Sauce
- 2 large red bell peppers
- 3 garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for roasting peppers)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare and Roast Peppers: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the red bell peppers and toss them with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread the peppers on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for about 20 minutes until they are softened and slightly charred, bringing out a smoky sweetness.
- Make the Roasted Pepper Sauce: Once the peppers have cooled slightly, blend them with the garlic cloves and freshly squeezed lemon juice until you achieve a smooth, vibrant sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Cook the Tilapia: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil. Season the tilapia fillets with salt and pepper. Cook the fillets for 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and flake easily with a fork.
- Combine and Simmer: Pour the roasted pepper sauce over the cooked tilapia fillets in the skillet. Let it simmer together gently for about one minute to meld the flavors before serving.
Notes
- You can roast the peppers ahead of time and store the sauce in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a spicier variation, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce during blending.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or a fresh green salad.
- Tilapia cooks quickly; avoid overcooking to keep it tender and moist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: tilapia recipe, roasted red pepper sauce, quick fish dinner, healthy seafood, stovetop cooking
