Description
How to make tender Best Tilapia in a vibrant Roasted Pepper Sauce, perfect for a quick, healthy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- Main Components:
- 4 (6 oz each) tilapia fillets
- 3 large red bell peppers
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- Sauce Flavor Builders:
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Essential Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Roast Peppers: Halve and deseed red bell peppers, toss with 1 tbsp olive oil, and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes until tender and slightly charred. This crucial step caramelizes their sweetness for the sauce.
- Sauté Base: In a pan, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, creating a flavorful base for the Tilapia in Roasted Pepper Sauce.
- Blend Sauce: Combine roasted peppers, sautéed aromatics, broth, tomato paste, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika in a blender. Blend until perfectly smooth and vibrant. You’ve just created the rich core of your Tilapia in Roasted Pepper Sauce.
- Sear Tilapia: Pat tilapia fillets dry and season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat remaining 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear tilapia for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Emulsify Sauce: Pour the blended sauce back into the pan. Stir in heavy cream and lemon juice, simmering gently for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. This emulsifies the sauce, adding richness and tang to your Tilapia in Roasted Pepper Sauce.
- Combine & Simmer: Gently nestle the seared tilapia fillets into the simmering roasted pepper sauce. Allow them to warm through for 1-2 minutes, absorbing the vibrant flavors. This brings together the delicious components of our dish.
- Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the Ultimate Tilapia in Pepper Sauce. Serve immediately with your favorite sides, perhaps rice or crusty bread, ensuring every bite is fresh and flavorful.
Notes
Ensure red bell peppers are tender and slightly charred for deep, caramelized sauce sweetness.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Substitute firm white fish like cod or snapper for tilapia, adjusting cooking times as needed.
Serve immediately with rice or crusty bread to soak up the vibrant, flavorful sauce.
Prepare the roasted pepper sauce up to 3-4 days ahead and refrigerate in an airtight container.
Bloom tomato paste and paprika in oil to intensify their richness and create profound sauce depth.
**Allergy Information:** Dairy, Fish
