Cod in Roasted Red Pepper Sauce (Printable version)
Tender cod fillets in a vibrant, creamy roasted red pepper sauce for a quick Mediterranean meal.
# What You'll Need:
→ Fish
01 - 4 (5–6 oz) cod fillets, skinless and boneless
02 - 1/2 tsp salt
03 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
04 - 1 tbsp olive oil
→ Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
05 - 1 (12 oz) jar roasted red peppers, drained
06 - 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
07 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 1 small shallot, minced
09 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
10 - 1/2 tsp dried oregano
11 - 1 tbsp lemon juice
12 - 1 tbsp olive oil
13 - Salt and pepper, to taste
→ Garnish
14 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
15 - Lemon wedges
# Directions:
01 - Pat the cod fillets completely dry using paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
02 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cod fillets and sear for 2 minutes per side until golden brown but not cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.
03 - In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Sauté the shallot for 2 minutes until translucent, then add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
04 - Add the roasted red peppers, smoked paprika, and dried oregano. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine flavors.
05 - Transfer the mixture to a blender or use an immersion blender directly in the pan. Add the heavy cream and lemon juice. Blend until completely smooth and creamy. Return the sauce to the skillet.
06 - Taste the sauce and season with additional salt and pepper as needed.
07 - Nestle the seared cod fillets into the sauce. Cover and simmer over medium-low heat for 6–8 minutes, or until the cod is opaque throughout and flakes easily with a fork.
08 - Plate the cod topped with the roasted red pepper sauce. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and lemon wedges if desired.
# Expert advice:
01 -
- The sauce velvety texture comes from blending roasted peppers with cream creating something reminiscent of expensive restaurants but with accessible ingredients
- Everything cooks in one pan meaning less cleanup and more time enjoying your meal instead of scrubbing dishes
02 -
- Don't skip searing the fish first because that golden crust adds texture and keeps the cod from falling apart in the sauce
- Letting the sauce simmer covered prevents the cream from separating while the fish finishes cooking
03 -
- Patting the fish completely dry before seasoning is the secret to getting a proper sear instead of steaming
- Taste the sauce before adding the cod back in because adjusting seasoning after the fish cooks can break apart those delicate fillets