Description
How to make Best Tilapia in Roasted Pepper Sauce with flaky tilapia and a rich, smoky roasted pepper sauce that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- For the Tilapia & Sauce Base:
- 1 ½ pounds Tilapia fillets, fresh or frozen and thawed
- 2 (12-ounce) jars roasted red peppers, drained
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- Flavor Enhancers:
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped, plus more for garnish
- Essential Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Finishing Touch:
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prep Sauce Base: Sauté the finely chopped onion in olive oil until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Meanwhile, blend drained roasted red peppers with broth until smooth for the sauce base.
- Build Sauce: Stir tomato paste, smoked paprika, dried oregano, sea salt, and black pepper into the softened aromatics. Pour in the blended pepper mixture. Bring to a gentle simmer, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
- Simmer Sauce: Let the sauce simmer gently for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. This allows the flavors to deepen, creating a luscious base for your Tilapia in Roasted Pepper Sauce.
- Cook Tilapia: Gently nestle the tilapia fillets into the simmering sauce. Cover the pan and cook for 8-12 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Avoid overcooking for tender results.
- Finish Dish: Stir in fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed to your preference. The brightness of the lemon perfectly complements the rich, smoky Tilapia in Roasted Pepper Sauce.
- Serve Warm: Garnish with extra fresh parsley and red pepper flakes, if desired. Serve your delicious Tilapia in Roasted Pepper Sauce immediately with a side of rice or crusty bread. Enjoy this comforting meal!
Notes
Avoid overcooking tilapia; cook until just opaque and flakes easily to ensure tender, flaky fish.
Store leftover Tilapia in Roasted Pepper Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Substitute mild white fish like cod, snapper, or mahi-mahi for tilapia, adjusting cooking time as needed.
Serve warm with fluffy white rice, crusty artisan bread, or creamy polenta to soak up the delicious sauce.
Prepare the roasted pepper sauce up to 3 days ahead and refrigerate; cook tilapia fresh just before serving.
Bloom tomato paste and smoked paprika in oil to significantly deepen the sauce’s overall flavor profile.
**Allergy Information:** Fish