Description
This Cod in Roasted Red Pepper Sauce recipe features tender cod fillets simmered in a creamy, smoky roasted red pepper sauce. Perfect for a flavorful and nutritious Mediterranean-inspired main course, this dish is easy to prepare on the stovetop and can be served with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread. Suitable for gluten-free diets and adaptable for dairy-free options by substituting coconut cream.
Ingredients
Scale
Fish
- 4 cod fillets (about 5–6 oz each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (12 oz) jar roasted red peppers, drained
- ¼ cup vegetable or chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream or coconut cream
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Cod: Pat cod fillets dry and season both sides with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cod and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly golden. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: Transfer the roasted red peppers, sautéed onions, garlic, and broth to a blender and blend until smooth. Return the blended mixture to the skillet over medium heat.
- Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream (or coconut cream), smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
- Finish Cooking the Cod: Return the cod fillets to the skillet, spooning sauce over them. Cover the skillet and simmer for 5–7 minutes until the cod is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, stir in lemon juice, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot alongside your choice of rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or another plant-based alternative.
- This sauce is versatile and works well with shrimp or chicken as an alternative protein.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the level of spiciness according to your preference.
