Name: Cod in Roasted Red Pepper Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 4 cod fillets (about 5–6 oz each); 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 jar (12 oz) roasted red peppers, drained and chopped; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Optional: red pepper flakes for a bit of heat; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

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Introduction

This Cod in Roasted Red Pepper Sauce is a delightful and elegant dish that combines tender seared cod with a rich, creamy pepper sauce. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that feels special without requiring complicated steps.

The dish shows a piece of white fish topped with bright red tomato sauce that covers a single layer on a white plate. The fish is thick and flaky with a light browned surface and small green herb pieces sprinkled on top. The tomato sauce is chunky and rich with visible bits of peppers or tomatoes. A silver fork is holding a small piece of fish coated with sauce in the foreground, resting on the plate's edge. In the background, two pieces of light golden bread are placed on the plate. The setting includes a white marbled surface and some blurred blue and silver kitchen items. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 cod fillets (about 5–6 oz each)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 jar (12 oz) roasted red peppers, drained and chopped
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Optional: red pepper flakes for a bit of heat

Instructions

Step 1: Pat cod fillets dry with a paper towel and season both sides with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the cod fillets for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden and just cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and sauté the chopped onion until soft and translucent, about 4–5 minutes.
Step 4: Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 5: Stir in the chopped roasted red peppers and smoked paprika. Cook for 2 minutes to combine flavors.
Step 6: Pour in the broth and bring to a simmer. Let it reduce slightly for about 3 minutes.
Step 7: Stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if using. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes.
Step 8: Use an immersion blender to puree the sauce until smooth and creamy, or carefully transfer to a blender and blend. Return the sauce to the skillet if needed.
Step 9: Place the seared cod fillets back into the pan. Spoon sauce over them and simmer for 2 more minutes to heat through.
Step 10: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve warm with your choice of rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.

Tips & Variations

To make the sauce dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative.
For extra heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a diced fresh chili when sautéing the garlic.
If you prefer a chunkier sauce, puree only half of the mixture and stir in the rest.
Use fresh roasted red peppers if you have time—they add a smoky sweetness that enhances the dish.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to prevent the fish from drying out, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much.

How to Serve

A white rectangular casserole dish with an orange rim holds four pieces of white fish fillets in an orange creamy sauce. Each fillet is seasoned with black pepper and sprinkled with chopped green herbs. There are also three lemon slices placed around the fish inside the sauce. The dish sits on a white marbled surface, with fresh lemon wedges nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of fish for this recipe?

Yes, firm white fish like halibut, haddock, or pollock work well as substitutes for cod.

Is it necessary to blend the sauce?

Blending helps create a smooth, creamy texture, but if you prefer a chunkier sauce, you can skip this step or blend only part of the sauce.