Tilapia in Roasted Pepper Sauce – A Flavor-Packed 30-Minute Recipe

Before we dive into the juicy details, I just want to take a moment to say how grateful I am to share this recipe with you. Recipes like this Tilapia in Roasted Pepper Sauce really embody what I love about cooking—simple ingredients transformed into something magical. You’re going to love the rich, roasted flavors, and best of all, it comes together in just 30 minutes. Who doesn’t love that?

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe has everything you could ask for in a comforting fish dish! It’s:

• Quick and easy – 30 minutes, and you’re done
• Rich and creamy – The roasted red pepper sauce is velvety and so flavorful
• Healthy and light – Tilapia is lean, and you can even use half-and-half instead of heavy cream if you’re cutting calories
• Versatile – You can serve it with rice, mashed potatoes, or even pasta to soak up that amazing sauce. Anything but boring!

What Does It Taste Like?

I’m not exaggerating when I say this sauce is next-level good. The roasted red peppers give it a deep, slightly smoky sweetness, while the garlic and Parmesan add a savory kick. The tilapia itself is tender and light, perfectly balanced by the creamy sauce. The smell when this is in the oven is incredible! Serve it up, and it’ll be love at first bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to create this dreamy dish:

• 4 tilapia fillets (about 1.5 lbs/680g)
• 2 roasted red bell peppers, chopped
• 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
• 1/4 cup (60ml) chicken broth
• 1/4 cup (60g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet
• Spatula or fish turner
• Chopping board and knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Blender (optional, if you want an extra smooth sauce)

Step-by-Step: How to Make Tilapia in Roasted Pepper Sauce

Step 1: Season and Sear the Tilapia
Start by seasoning your tilapia fillets with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the tilapia for 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Sauce Base
In the same skillet, add the butter and sauté the chopped onion until softened. This should take about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Add Roasted Peppers and Broth
Now, add your chopped roasted red peppers and chicken broth. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing all those amazing flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Add the Cream and Parmesan
Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer for a few more minutes until it thickens to a luscious consistency. At this point, you can even blend the sauce if you prefer it completely smooth.

Step 5: Return the Tilapia to the Skillet
Carefully place the tilapia back into the skillet, spooning that gorgeous sauce over the fillets. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes so the fish can absorb all the delicious flavors.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once ready, garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve it piping hot with your favorite side dishes.

What to Serve with This Dish

This tilapia dish pairs wonderfully with sides that soak up the sauce. Here are a few of my favorite options:

• Rice: Fluffy white or brown rice works perfectly to absorb the creamy sauce.
• Mashed Potatoes: For a comforting, hearty meal.
• Pasta: A simple pasta like linguine or fettuccine would be amazing.
• Roasted Vegetables: Keep things on the lighter side with some roasted veggies on the side.

Tips for Perfect Tilapia

• Don’t overcook the tilapia! It only takes 3-4 minutes per side, and you want the fish to stay tender.
• Use jarred roasted red peppers to save time, or roast them yourself for extra flavor.
• Make it lighter by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream and cutting down on the Parmesan.

How to Store and Reheat

Leftovers? No problem!

• In the fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• To reheat: Gently warm it on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.
• Freezing is not recommended for this dish, as the sauce can separate when thawed.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of fish?
Absolutely! This sauce pairs well with other white fish like cod, haddock, or even salmon.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! You can substitute coconut cream for the heavy cream and leave out the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Definitely. You can prepare the sauce up to a day in advance and simply reheat it before adding the fish.

Conclusion: Tilapia Heaven in 30 Minutes!

There you have it! A quick, delicious, and elegant meal that’s perfect for weeknights but impressive enough for guests. The creamy roasted red pepper sauce is truly the star here, elevating the mild tilapia into something special.

If you try this recipe, please let me know how it turned out! Share your photos and reviews on Pinterest or tag me on Instagram. I’d love to see your creations. You can follow me on Pinterest at The Flavor Vault.

More Fish Recipes You’ll Love:

• Red Snapper in a Velvety Lemon Cream Sauce
• Spicy Baked Cajun Catfish and Shrimp with Zesty Lemon Butter
• Zesty Lemon Butter Fish Fillet – A Light and Flavorful Delight

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 350 kcal
• Carbs: 8g
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 19g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Sodium: 520mg

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