Description
This vibrant tilapia dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. Tender, flaky fish is paired with a smoky, slightly sweet roasted red pepper sauce that brings restaurant-quality flavors to your home kitchen. Inspired by Mediterranean cuisine, this recipe is easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and ideal for anyone looking for a quick, healthy, and impressive fish dinner.
Ingredients
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4 tilapia fillets, skinless and boneless
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2 large red bell peppers, roasted and peeled
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1 medium onion, finely chopped
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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½ teaspoon ground black pepper
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½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
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1 teaspoon lemon zest
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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½ cup vegetable or chicken broth
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¼ cup heavy cream (optional)
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Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Place whole red bell peppers on a baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes, turning occasionally, until skins are blistered and blackened. Remove from the oven, let cool, peel off skins, and discard seeds.
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In a blender or food processor, combine roasted peppers, lemon juice, lemon zest, and half of the minced garlic. Blend until smooth. For a creamier texture, add heavy cream and blend again. Set aside.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season tilapia fillets with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook fillets 3–4 minutes per side until they flake easily. Remove from skillet and keep warm.
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In the same skillet, sauté remaining garlic and chopped onion for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and soft. Pour in the blended pepper mixture and vegetable broth, stirring to combine. Simmer for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
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Return tilapia fillets to the skillet, spooning sauce over the fish. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until heated through. Adjust seasoning as needed.
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Plate the tilapia, spoon extra sauce over each fillet, and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve with steamed vegetables, rice, or crusty bread.
Notes
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Fresh tilapia works best, but thawed frozen fillets are fine.
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Jarred roasted peppers can be used in place of fresh if short on time.
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Heavy cream is optional for a richer sauce.
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Pair with rice, quinoa, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
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Avoid overcooking tilapia to keep it tender and moist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes