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
Scale
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.
