Roasted Red Pepper Cod (Printable)
Tender cod poached in roasted red pepper sauce with garlic, smoked paprika and lemon—bright Mediterranean flavors.
# Ingredient List:
→ Fish
01 - 4 cod fillets, skinless and boneless (approximately 5.3 oz each)
02 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
03 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
→ Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
04 - 2 large roasted red bell peppers, drained (from jar or freshly roasted)
05 - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
06 - 1 small yellow onion, chopped
07 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
09 - 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
10 - 1/2 cup vegetable broth or fish stock
11 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
12 - Salt and pepper, to taste
→ Garnish
13 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
14 - Lemon wedges, for serving
# Steps:
01 - Pat cod fillets dry and sprinkle both sides with salt and black pepper.
02 - In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute more.
03 - Add roasted red bell peppers, smoked paprika, and chili flakes to the skillet. Stir and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
04 - Transfer contents of skillet to a blender or use an immersion blender to purée until smooth. Return sauce to the skillet.
05 - Stir in vegetable broth and lemon juice. Bring sauce to a gentle simmer. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
06 - Nestle seasoned cod fillets into the sauce. Cover and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, until fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
07 - Spoon sauce over cod. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The roasted red pepper sauce is so vibrant, you’ll want to eat it by the spoonful (I’ve definitely done it).
- This dish comes together quickly but feels special enough to impress anyone at your table.
02 -
- Once, I left the cod in the sauce too long and it went from tender to rubbery in a flash—keep an eye on the clock.
- Switching from vegetable broth to fish stock brought a deeper, more savory note that made everyone ask for seconds.
03 -
- A splash of good olive oil on top just before serving adds an irresistible gloss and depth.
- Blending the sauce a little longer than you think yields the silkiest texture.