Here’s a flavorful, Mediterranean-style Cod in Roasted Red Pepper Sauce — tender fish simmered in a silky, smoky, slightly creamy sauce. It’s elegant but easy enough for a weeknight!
🐟🔥 Cod in Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
Ingredients (4 servings)
For the cod
- 4 cod fillets (about 5–6 oz each)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1–2 tbsp olive oil
For the roasted red pepper sauce
- 1 jar (12 oz) roasted red peppers, drained
or 2–3 roasted fresh red peppers - 1 small onion, chopped
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup chicken broth or vegetable broth
- ½ cup heavy cream or ¼ cup cream + ¼ cup Greek yogurt
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ tsp salt
- Black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
1. Season and sear the cod
- Pat cod dry; season with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the cod for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly golden (it will finish cooking in the sauce).
- Remove cod and set aside.
2. Make the roasted red pepper sauce
- In the same skillet, add olive oil and sauté onions until soft (4–5 minutes).
- Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
- Add roasted red peppers, broth, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes.
- Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Transfer mixture to a blender and blend until smooth (or use an immersion blender).
- Return sauce to the skillet and stir in cream.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
3. Finish cooking the cod
- Nestle the cod fillets back into the sauce.
- Simmer gently 5–8 minutes, spooning sauce over the top until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
4. Serve
Top with fresh parsley or basil.
Great with:
- Rice
- Mashed potatoes
- Crusty bread
- Pasta
- Couscous or quinoa
A squeeze of lemon brightens everything.
⭐ Tips & Variations
For a thicker, richer sauce
Add 1–2 tbsp tomato paste when sautéing onions.
For a lighter version
Use light cream or blend roasted peppers with a splash of milk instead.
For extra flavor
Add a splash of white wine before the broth and let it reduce.
Make it spicy
Double the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne.
If you’d like, I can also give you:
🍝 Cod in roasted pepper cream over pasta
🌶 Spicy Spanish-style version
🍅 Tomato + red pepper combination sauce
