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Easy Tilapia in Roasted Pepper Sauce for Busy Weeknights Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.2 from 50 reviews
  • Author: Elizabeth
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings (4 fillets)
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

This Easy Tilapia in Roasted Pepper Sauce is a vibrant and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring light, flaky tilapia fillets cooked to perfection and served with a rich roasted red and yellow bell pepper sauce infused with garlic, smoked paprika, and vegetable broth, it offers a delicious, healthy meal that’s quick and simple to prepare.


Ingredients

Scale

Fish

  • 4 fillets Tilapia (The star of the dish, offering a light and flaky texture.)

Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (Adds richness and ensures a lovely sauté.)
  • 1 whole Red Bell Pepper (Provides sweetness and vibrant color.)
  • 1 whole Yellow Bell Pepper (Adds similar sweetness and visual appeal.)
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced (A must for flavor.)
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika (Imparts a warm, smoky flavor.)
  • 0.5 teaspoon Salt (Essential seasoning for depth.)
  • 0.25 teaspoon Black Pepper (Adds a hint of spice.)
  • 1 cup Vegetable Broth (Enhances the flavor profile of the sauce.)

Garnish

  • Fresh Parsley (Optional garnish)
  • 2 wedges Lemon (A squeeze of citrus elevates the dish)


Instructions

  1. Prepare the Peppers: Roast the red and yellow bell peppers until their skin is charred and blistered all over. Once cooled, peel off the skins, remove seeds, and roughly chop the flesh.
  2. Make the Sauce: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the roasted peppers, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, then pour in the vegetable broth. Simmer gently for 5-7 minutes to meld flavors.
  3. Blend the Sauce: Transfer the pepper mixture to a blender and puree until smooth. Return the sauce to the skillet and keep warm on low heat.
  4. Cook the Tilapia: In a separate skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Season the tilapia fillets lightly with salt and pepper. Cook the fillets 3-4 minutes on each side until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  5. Serve: Spoon the roasted pepper sauce onto plates and top with the cooked tilapia fillets. Garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon wedges. Serve immediately for best flavor.

Notes

  • If you do not have fresh roasted peppers, jarred roasted peppers can be used as a shortcut.
  • Adjust the smoked paprika amount to taste for more or less smokiness.
  • Tilapia can be substituted with other white flaky fish like cod or snapper.
  • This dish pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a light salad.
  • For a creamier sauce, add a splash of coconut milk or cream when blending the peppers.