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Tilapia in Roasted Pepper Sauce

Flaky, tender pan-seared tilapia fillets bathed in a rich, creamy, and savory roasted red bell pepper sauce. A quick 30-minute gourmet dinner.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Calories: 310
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Fish & Searing
  • 4 fillets tilapia about 5-6 oz each, fresh or completely thawed
  • 1 tsp kosher salt divided
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper divided
  • 2 tbsp olive oil divided
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
Roasted Pepper Sauce
  • 1 small yellow onion finely diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 jar roasted red peppers 12 oz jar, drained and chopped
  • 0.5 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • 0.5 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes optional
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Blender or Food Processor
  • Spatula

Method
 

  1. Pat tilapia fillets completely dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear tilapia for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove to a plate.
  3. Lower heat to medium. Add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and diced onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
  4. Transfer onion mixture to a blender. Add drained roasted red peppers, chicken broth, and smoked paprika. Blend until completely smooth.
  5. Pour the pureed sauce back into the skillet. Stir in heavy cream and red pepper flakes. Simmer gently over medium-low heat for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in lemon juice.
  6. Return the cooked tilapia to the pan, spooning the sauce over the fish to warm through. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Do not let the sauce boil rapidly after adding the cream, or it may separate. Keep it at a gentle simmer.