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Quick Mediterranean Tilapia in Creamy Roasted Pepper Sauce

Quick Mediterranean Tilapia in Creamy Roasted Pepper Sauce - featured image
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A quick and easy weeknight dinner featuring tender tilapia fillets in a luscious, smoky roasted red pepper cream sauce. Ready in under 20 minutes with simple pantry ingredients, this restaurant-quality dish is perfect for busy evenings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 tilapia fillets (about 1.5 lbs total)
  • 1 cup roasted red peppers (drained)
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Make the sauce: In a blender, combine drained roasted red peppers, heavy cream, minced garlic, smoked paprika, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Blend until smooth. Set aside.
  2. Prepare the tilapia: Pat fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Heat until shimmering, about 1-2 minutes.
  4. Sear the tilapia: Place fillets in the hot skillet, presentation side down. Cook without moving for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
  5. Flip gently and cook for another 2-3 minutes until fish is opaque and flakes easily (internal temperature 145°F/63°C).
  6. Reduce heat to low. Pour sauce around the fish (not directly on top to preserve crispiness). Warm through for 1-2 minutes, spooning sauce over fillets.
  7. Garnish with fresh parsley and an extra pinch of smoked paprika. Serve immediately.

Notes

Pat fish dry for best sear. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk. Sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead. Leftovers keep in fridge for up to 2 days; reheat gently on stovetop.

Nutrition

Keywords: tilapia, roasted red pepper sauce, quick dinner, Mediterranean, creamy sauce, weeknight meal, healthy fish recipe

Find it online: https://bouncybowl.com/quick-mediterranean-tilapia-in-creamy-roasted-pepper-sauce/