Description
Tender cod fillets simmered in a rich and creamy roasted red pepper sauce, flavored with smoked paprika and fresh herbs. This simple yet elegant dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal, offering a delightful balance of smoky, savory, and creamy flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Fish
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
- 2 roasted red peppers (jarred or homemade)
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream (for a dairy-free version)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Cod: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika if using.
- Sear the Cod: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the cod fillets and sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the cod and set aside.
- Cook Aromatics: Using the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the finely chopped onion over medium heat until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: Add the roasted red peppers to the skillet and stir. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes to blend flavors.
- Blend the Sauce: Transfer the mixture to a blender and puree until smooth. Return the sauce to the skillet.
- Add Cream: Stir in the heavy cream or coconut cream and warm through on low heat, making sure the sauce does not boil to prevent curdling.
- Combine Cod and Sauce: Return the seared cod fillets to the skillet, spoon sauce over the top, and let them warm together for 2 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish and serve immediately with your choice of sides.
Notes
- For a dairy-free alternative, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
- Jarred roasted red peppers provide convenience and consistent flavor, but homemade roasted peppers work beautifully too.
- Serve this dish with rice, crusty bread, or roasted vegetables to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Be careful not to overcook the cod; it should be tender and flaky.
- Smoked paprika adds a lovely depth of flavor but is optional based on your preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
