Quick Tilapia in Roasted Pepper Sauce Recipe | Easy Weeknight Fish Dinner with Bold Flavor
This Quick Tilapia in Roasted Pepper Sauce is a simple yet sophisticated dish that’s bursting with flavor. Tender tilapia fillets are pan-seared and smothered in a creamy roasted red pepper sauce made with garlic, herbs, and a touch of cream or broth. It’s light, vibrant, and ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for weeknight dinners or when you want something impressive without the fuss. Serve with rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up every drop of the sauce.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Blender or immersion blender
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 4 tilapia fillets
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup roasted red peppers (jarred or homemade)
- ½ cup heavy cream or coconut milk
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Optional Add-ins:
- Red pepper flakes (for heat)
- Lemon juice (for brightness)
- Parmesan cheese (for richness)
Instructions
- Prep the Fish Pat tilapia fillets dry. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Sear Tilapia Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Sear fillets 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics In the same pan, sauté diced onion until soft (about 3 minutes). Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Make the Sauce Add roasted red peppers. Blend with cream until smooth using a blender or immersion blender.
- Simmer & Combine Return sauce to pan and simmer for 5 minutes. Nestle tilapia into sauce and spoon over fillets. Simmer 2–3 minutes more.
- Garnish & Serve Top with fresh herbs and optional lemon zest. Serve with rice, couscous, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
Notes
- Make-Ahead: Sauce can be made ahead and frozen for up to 1 month.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of cream.
- Substitutions: Cod, shrimp, chicken, or tofu work well. Use coconut milk or cashew cream for dairy-free.
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Tips:
- Don’t overcook the fish—tilapia cooks quickly.
- Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
- Roasted peppers are essential—don’t substitute raw.