Why Make This Recipe
Delicious Tilapia in Creamy Roasted Pepper Sauce is a dish that is sure to impress! With its rich flavors and easy preparation, it’s perfect for any weeknight dinner or special occasion. The creamy sauce made from roasted peppers adds a unique twist to the mild tilapia, making this meal both satisfying and delightful. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients, making it a healthy option for your family.
How to Make Delicious Tilapia in Creamy Roasted Pepper Sauce
Ingredients:
- 4 tilapia fillets (fresh or thawed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small shallot or onion, chopped
- 3 roasted red bell peppers, drained
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1/2 cup vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
- Pat the tilapia fillets dry and season them with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add tilapia and cook for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden. Remove the fish from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and chopped shallot; sauté for 1–2 minutes until softened.
- Blend the roasted bell peppers with the broth and cream until the mixture is smooth. Pour this mixture back into the skillet.
- Stir in the smoked paprika, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and Parmesan. Allow the sauce to simmer for 5–6 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Return the tilapia to the skillet, spoon the sauce over the fillets, and simmer for another 2–3 minutes until heated through.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve hot with rice, quinoa, or mashed cauliflower.
How to Serve Delicious Tilapia in Creamy Roasted Pepper Sauce
This tilapia dish pairs nicely with a side of fluffy rice, healthy quinoa, or creamy mashed cauliflower. You can also serve it with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. A glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon makes for a lovely drink alongside this tasty dish.
How to Store Delicious Tilapia in Creamy Roasted Pepper Sauce
If you have leftovers, store the tilapia and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat until heated through. Avoid using the microwave, as it may make the fish rubbery.
Tips to Make Delicious Tilapia in Creamy Roasted Pepper Sauce
- Make sure to pat the tilapia fillets dry to get a nice golden color when frying.
- For a smoother sauce, you can blend the cream and broth together before adding them to the skillet.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes based on your spice preference.
- Feel free to add other herbs, like thyme or basil, for extra flavor.
Variation
You can substitute tilapia with other white fish like cod or haddock. If you prefer a vegetarian option, try using tofu instead of fish, and sauté it until it’s crispy before adding the sauce.
FAQs
Q: Can I use fresh roasted peppers instead of jarred?
A: Yes, you can roast your own peppers. Simply roast them until charred, peel off the skin, and then blend as directed.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it separately. Cook the tilapia fresh when you’re ready to serve.
Q: What can I do if I don’t have heavy cream?
A: You can use half-and-half, milk, or a non-dairy cream alternative for a lighter version of the sauce.
Delicious Tilapia in Creamy Roasted Pepper Sauce
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A flavorful tilapia dish in a creamy roasted pepper sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 4 tilapia fillets (fresh or thawed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small shallot or onion, chopped
- 3 roasted red bell peppers, drained
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1/2 cup vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Pat the tilapia fillets dry and season them with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add tilapia and cook for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden. Remove the fish from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and chopped shallot; sauté for 1–2 minutes until softened.
- Blend the roasted bell peppers with the broth and cream until the mixture is smooth. Pour this mixture back into the skillet.
- Stir in the smoked paprika, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and Parmesan. Allow the sauce to simmer for 5–6 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Return the tilapia to the skillet, spoon the sauce over the fillets, and simmer for another 2–3 minutes until heated through.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve hot with rice, quinoa, or mashed cauliflower.
Notes
Make sure to pat the tilapia fillets dry for a golden color when frying. Adjust crushed red pepper flakes based on spice preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American