If you are looking for a dish that bursts with vibrant color and rich, comforting flavors, you have to try this Cod in Roasted Red Pepper Sauce Recipe. Imagine tender, flaky cod fillets nestled in a silky sauce made from smoky roasted red peppers, a hint of garlic, and a splash of cream that ties it all together beautifully. This recipe is easy enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve guests, striking a perfect balance between simple ingredients and gourmet appeal. The smoky paprika and fresh herbs make every bite unforgettable and keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe is thoughtfully chosen for its role in creating a luscious, flavorful dish. From the delicate cod to the smoky paprika, each component adds a layer of taste, texture, or color that makes this dish truly shine.
- Cod fillets (4, about 6 oz each): Choose fresh or thawed cod for the best flaky texture.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps achieve a beautiful sear on the fish.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for enhancing all the bold flavors.
- Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon total): Gives the dish a warm, smoky depth.
- Small onion (1, chopped): Provides a sweet, mild base for the sauce.
- Garlic cloves (3, minced): Infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth.
- Jarred roasted red peppers (12 oz, drained): The star ingredient that creates the sauce’s vibrant color and signature flavor.
- Vegetable or chicken broth (1/2 cup): Adds savory moisture for a silky sauce.
- Heavy cream or coconut cream (1/4 cup): Brings a luscious creaminess while balancing the acidity of the peppers.
- Tomato paste (1 tablespoon): Adds a subtle tang and deeper color to the sauce.
- Chopped fresh parsley or basil (1 tablespoon): Brightens the dish and adds fresh herbal notes for garnish.
How to Make Cod in Roasted Red Pepper Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Cod
Start by patting your cod fillets dry and seasoning them generously with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sear the cod for 2 to 3 minutes per side until you see a light golden crust forming. The goal here is to create texture without fully cooking the fish—it will finish cooking later in the sauce. Once seared, carefully remove the fillets and set them aside.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
Using the same skillet, add the second tablespoon of olive oil and toss in the chopped onion. Sauté it gently for 3 to 4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent, releasing its natural sweetness. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for about a minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
Step 3: Create the Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
It’s time to bring in the star of the show: the roasted red peppers. Stir them into the skillet along with the vegetable or chicken broth, tomato paste, and the remaining smoked paprika. Let this mixture simmer for 5 minutes so all those wonderful flavors marry together. Then, carefully transfer the contents to a blender and blend until perfectly smooth. Pour the velvety sauce back into the skillet.
Step 4: Finish the Sauce and Cook the Cod
Stir the cream into your blended sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste. Nestle the cod fillets right into the sauce, spooning some over the tops. Let everything simmer gently for another 3 to 4 minutes, just until the cod is fully cooked and flakes easily with a fork.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil over the dish right before serving to add that fresh, herbal pop of color and flavor.
How to Serve Cod in Roasted Red Pepper Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or basil are the perfect final touch, adding brightness that complements the rich sauce. For a little extra flair, a light drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can elevate the flavors even more.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with simple sides that soak up the sauce—think fluffy steamed rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or even a crusty artisan bread perfect for swooping up every last bit. Roasted or steamed vegetables with a hint of garlic and olive oil also make a wonderful accompaniment.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant presentation, serve each cod fillet on a shallow white plate with the sauce spooned generously around the edges. Adding a colorful vegetable puree or an artful sprinkle of toasted nuts can wow your guests and make your meal look as stunning as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cod in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Because the sauce is creamy, be sure to keep it chilled to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
While the sauce freezes well, the texture of cooked cod can become a bit fragile once thawed. If you plan to freeze, consider freezing the sauce separately and gently reheating it to pour over freshly cooked fish later.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid drying out the cod. Adding a splash of broth or water can help maintain sauce consistency and keep the fish moist as it warms through.
FAQs
Can I use other types of fish for this recipe?
Absolutely! While cod is ideal for its mild flavor and firm texture, other white flaky fish like haddock, halibut, or pollock will work beautifully with the roasted red pepper sauce.
Is there a dairy-free version of this Cod in Roasted Red Pepper Sauce Recipe?
Yes, simply swap out the heavy cream for coconut cream to keep it creamy without any dairy. This swap also adds a subtle tropical note that pairs surprisingly well with the smoky peppers.
How spicy is the dish?
This recipe is mildly smoky and savory rather than spicy. If you want a little heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce while simmering.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! The roasted red pepper sauce can be made a day or two in advance and chilled. This makes the final cooking step quicker and lets the flavors meld for even better taste.
What wine pairs well with Cod in Roasted Red Pepper Sauce Recipe?
A crisp, acidic white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Chardonnay complements the creamy sauce and delicate fish. For red lovers, a light Pinot Noir would also work nicely.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Cod in Roasted Red Pepper Sauce Recipe enough. It’s one of those dishes that feels special without being complicated, blending bright, smoky, and creamy flavors in perfect harmony. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe offers a delicious way to elevate everyday cod into a memorable meal. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite weeknight dinner.
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Cod in Roasted Red Pepper Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Mediterranean-inspired Cod in Roasted Red Pepper Sauce features tender cod fillets cooked gently in a creamy, smoky roasted red pepper sauce. The dish offers a balanced combination of flavors with smoky paprika, garlic, and a rich, smooth red pepper sauce, perfect for a wholesome, gluten-free main course.
Ingredients
For the Cod:
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
For the Roasted Red Pepper Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (12 oz) jar roasted red peppers, drained
- 1/2 cup vegetable or chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season and sear the cod: Season cod fillets evenly with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the cod for 2–3 minutes on each side until lightly golden and nearly cooked through. Remove the fillets from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté onions and garlic: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Prepare the roasted red pepper sauce: Stir in the drained roasted red peppers, broth, tomato paste, and smoked paprika into the skillet. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Blend the sauce: Transfer the skillet contents to a blender and blend until smooth, creating a creamy roasted red pepper sauce. Then, return the blended sauce to the skillet.
- Finish the sauce and cook the cod: Stir in the heavy cream or coconut cream into the sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Nestle the partially cooked cod fillets back into the sauce. Simmer gently for another 3–4 minutes until the fish is fully cooked and flakes easily with a fork.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil over the dish before serving. Serve the cod in red pepper sauce alongside rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- Pairs beautifully with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
- For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
- This sauce also works well with shrimp, chicken, or tofu as alternatives to cod.
