This tasty tilapia dish is cooked in a flavorful roasted pepper sauce. It’s quick and easy to make, yet fancy enough for a dinner party!
I love how the bright sauce makes the fish look and taste wonderful. Serve it with rice or veggies, and you’ll impress everyone. Who knew healthy could be this delicious? 🤩
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tilapia: Fresh tilapia fillets are ideal for this recipe, but you could use other white fish like cod or haddock if that’s what you have. Just adjust the cooking time if the fillets are thicker or thinner.
Roasted Red Peppers: Jarred roasted red peppers save time, but you can roast your own by charring fresh peppers in the oven or on a grill. This gives a smoky flavor you might enjoy!
Heavy Cream: If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or coconut milk. Just keep in mind that coconut milk will add a different flavor to the sauce.
Parmesan Cheese: You can substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste, or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option. Both will still give you a richness.
How Do I Make Creamy Sauce without Clumps?
A smooth, creamy sauce is key for this recipe, and blending is vital. Here’s how to do it:
- Once you add the roasted peppers and cream, let everything warm up to blend the flavors.
- Use an immersion blender directly in the pan for quick blending, or carefully transfer to a regular blender.
- After blending, return it to the skillet and stir in the cheese. This ensures everything mixes smoothly without clumps.
Taking your time to blend the sauce well will help it stay creamy and beautiful when serving!
Easy Tilapia in Roasted Pepper Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fish:
- 4 tilapia fillets
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
For the Sauce:
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup roasted red peppers, chopped (jarred or homemade)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 15-20 minutes to cook. Altogether, you’re looking at around 30-35 minutes from start to finish! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or when you want to impress guests without spending all day in the kitchen.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Fish:
Start by seasoning your tilapia fillets with salt and black pepper on both sides. This simple step adds flavor right from the beginning.
2. Cook the Tilapia:
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the tilapia fillets carefully. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. This should make them flaky and tender. Once done, remove the fillets from the skillet and set them aside.
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
Using the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the finely chopped onion and cook it for about 3 minutes until it becomes softened and translucent.
4. Add Garlic and Peppers:
Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Stir in the roasted red peppers to infuse the onion and garlic flavors.
5. Create the Sauce:
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Add the smoked paprika and crushed red pepper flakes if you want a hint of heat. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 3-5 minutes so that all the flavors meld together beautifully.
6. Blend the Sauce:
Carefully blend the sauce using an immersion blender or by transferring it to a regular blender. Blend until smooth and creamy, then return it to the skillet if needed.
7. Cheese It Up:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the cheese melts and becomes part of the creamy sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning with extra salt or pepper if needed.
8. Combine Fish and Sauce:
Return the cooked tilapia fillets to the skillet. Spoon the delicious roasted pepper sauce over the fillets. Let everything warm together for a couple of minutes.
9. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top. If you’re feeling fancy, add a bit more Parmesan for presentation. Serve immediately with your choice of rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal!
This recipe yields a rich and flavorful roasted red pepper sauce that’s a perfect match for the tender tilapia. Enjoy your easy, elegant meal! 🍽️
FAQ for Easy Tilapia in Roasted Pepper Sauce
Can I Use Frozen Tilapia?
Yes, you can use frozen tilapia! Just ensure it’s fully thawed before cooking. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or place the sealed fillets in cold water for quicker results. Once thawed, season and cook as directed in the recipe.
What If I Don’t Have Roasted Red Peppers?
No worries! You can substitute with fresh red bell peppers. Just roast them in the oven or on the stovetop until charred, then chop them up for the sauce. Alternatively, you can use jarred bell peppers if you have those on hand!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently in a skillet over low heat to maintain the sauce’s creaminess, adding a splash of water or broth if necessary.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! To make it dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a cheesy flavor. Just keep in mind that this will slightly alter the taste!
