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
Scale
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
