Description
This Cod in Roasted Red Pepper Sauce recipe combines tender, flaky cod fillets with a creamy, smoky roasted red pepper sauce. Perfect for a quick and elegant dinner, the dish balances mild seafood flavors with the rich, slightly sweet taste of roasted peppers, enhanced with garlic, onion, and paprika. A quick sauté and simmer method delivers a comforting, restaurant-quality meal that’s easy to prepare in about 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cod Fillets
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
For the Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
- 2 roasted red peppers (jarred or homemade)
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream for a dairy-free version
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cod Fillets: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with salt, pepper, and paprika if using. This helps to enhance the flavor and create a light crust when cooking.
- Sear the Cod: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the cod fillets and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the fillets from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Sauté the finely chopped onions over medium heat until translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Make the Roasted Red Pepper Sauce: Chop the roasted red peppers into small pieces and add them to the skillet. Stir in the smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Blend the Sauce: Carefully transfer the pepper mixture to a blender or use an immersion blender right in the skillet. Blend until smooth and creamy. Return the sauce to the skillet if removed.
- Add Cream and Simmer: Stir in the heavy cream or coconut cream to the blended sauce. Simmer over low heat for an additional 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Combine Cod with Sauce: Gently nestle the cooked cod fillets back into the skillet with the sauce. Spoon some sauce over the fish and warm together for 2 minutes to let the flavors meld without breaking the fish apart.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a fresh finishing touch, and serve immediately with your choice of side, such as rice, potatoes, or crusty bread.
Notes
- Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free, vegan-friendly sauce.
- Jarred roasted red peppers are a convenient shortcut; however, homemade roasted peppers add a fresher taste.
- Adjust paprika and seasoning to your preferred spice level.
- Be gentle when handling the cod fillets during cooking to prevent them from breaking apart.
- This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or a light salad for a balanced meal.
