Cod in Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

Get ready to indulge in a dish that’s not only bursting with vibrant flavors but also simple to prepare! Cod in Roasted Red Pepper Sauce combines the light and flaky texture of tender cod fillets with a rich, creamy roasted red pepper sauce that’s slightly smoky and sweet with a touch of tang. The sauce coats the fish beautifully, creating a perfect balance of flavors that will have you savoring every bite. Trust me, once you taste this, you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love Cod in Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

• Deliciously flavorful: The roasted red pepper sauce is packed with rich, smoky, and sweet flavors, making each bite of cod absolutely mouthwatering.
• Quick and easy: This dish is perfect for busy nights or when you want to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Healthy yet indulgent: Cod is light and flaky, making it a great source of protein that doesn’t leave you feeling heavy, but the creamy sauce adds a touch of decadence.
• Versatile: Serve it over rice, quinoa, or a simple green salad for a complete meal that fits your taste.
• Simple ingredients: You don’t need a lot of fancy items—just a few pantry staples and fresh cod to create a gourmet dish.

Ingredients in Cod in Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

Here’s what you’ll need to create this easy and flavorful dish:

For the Cod:

• Cod fillets: Fresh or frozen (thawed).
• Olive oil: For cooking the cod fillets.
• Salt: To season the fish to bring out its natural flavors.
• Black pepper: To taste, for a little extra seasoning.

For the Roasted Red Pepper Sauce:

• Roasted red peppers: Either jarred or fresh roasted. These give the sauce its sweet and smoky base.
• Garlic: Fresh, minced garlic adds flavor and depth to the sauce.
• Onion: Finely chopped, onion adds richness to the sauce.
• Heavy cream: To create a smooth, creamy texture.
• Chicken or vegetable broth: Adds flavor and helps to thin out the sauce for the perfect consistency.
• Paprika: A subtle smoky flavor that complements the roasted red peppers.
• Lemon juice: To brighten up the sauce and balance the richness.
• Fresh parsley: For garnish and a touch of color and freshness.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are available in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Now let’s get started and make this delectable dish!

Step 1: Prepare the Cod

Season the cod fillets with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a bit of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the cod fillets and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the fish is opaque and easily flakes with a fork. Remove the cod from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 2: Make the Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed and sauté the chopped onions and garlic over medium heat until soft and fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add the roasted red peppers, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together.

Next, pour in the heavy cream and broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 3: Blend the Sauce

Transfer the sauce to a blender and blend until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more broth to reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice if needed.

Step 4: Combine Cod and Sauce

Return the blended sauce to the skillet and place the cooked cod fillets back into the sauce, spooning the sauce over the fish. Let everything simmer together for 2-3 minutes to warm the cod through and allow the flavors to meld.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Serve the cod fillets with the roasted red pepper sauce generously spooned on top. Garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice, if desired.

How to Serve Cod in Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

• Serve with a side of rice: The creamy sauce pairs beautifully with a simple bed of white or brown rice, soaking up every drop of flavor.
• Serve with roasted vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or a medley of seasonal veggies make a perfect side dish to complete the meal.
• Pair with a crisp salad: A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will balance the richness of the sauce.
• Serve with crusty bread: Don’t forget to have some crusty bread on hand to dip into the delicious sauce!

Additional Tips

• Make it dairy-free: Use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative instead of heavy cream to make this dish dairy-free.
• Add a little heat: If you love spicy food, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for an extra kick.
• Use other white fish: If cod isn’t available, you can easily substitute with haddock, tilapia, or any other firm white fish.
• Make the sauce ahead: You can make the roasted red pepper sauce in advance and store it in the fridge. Simply reheat it when you’re ready to serve.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 380
Total Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 590mg
Total Carbohydrates: 12g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 5g
Protein: 33g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?
A1: Yes! Just make sure to thaw the frozen cod thoroughly before cooking. You can also cook it directly from frozen, but it may take a little longer.

Q2: Can I make the sauce in advance?
A2: Yes! You can make the sauce up to two days ahead and store it in the fridge. When ready to use, simply heat it up and add the cooked cod to it.

Q3: Can I use a different type of fish?
A3: Absolutely! This sauce pairs wonderfully with other white fish like haddock, tilapia, or halibut.

Q4: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A4: Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to check the labels on the broth and any other packaged ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free.

Q5: Can I make this recipe spicy?
A5: Yes! Add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce to give it a spicy kick.

Q6: How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
A6: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. The flavor will change slightly, but it will still be delicious!

Q7: Can I add vegetables to the sauce?
A7: Absolutely! You can add roasted or sautéed vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.

Q8: How do I store leftovers?
A8: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Q9: Can I freeze this dish?
A9: While the fish is best fresh, you can freeze the sauce for up to 1 month. When ready to serve, just reheat the sauce and cook fresh fish.

Q10: What’s a good side dish to serve with this?
A10: Serve with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or even a side of garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.

Conclusion

This Cod in Roasted Red Pepper Sauce is a vibrant, rich, and perfectly balanced dish that will quickly become a weeknight favorite. With tender cod and a creamy, smoky sauce, it’s both comforting and full of flavor. Easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy, this dish proves that delicious meals don’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re serving it for family or guests, this cod recipe will always impress!

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