Description

This Quick Tilapia in Roasted Pepper Sauce is a flavorful and healthy meal featuring tender tilapia fillets cooked to perfection and served with a vibrant, homemade roasted red pepper sauce. The sauce is blended with garlic, oregano, and lemon juice to add a bright and zesty touch, making this dish a delicious weeknight dinner option that’s simple to prepare and rich in nutrients.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Tilapia:

4 tilapia fillets
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Roasted Pepper Sauce:

2 red bell peppers, roasted and chopped (or jarred roasted peppers)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 cup vegetable or chicken broth
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

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Instructions

Prepare the sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine the roasted bell peppers, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and broth. Blend until smooth to create a flavorful pepper sauce base.
Add lemon juice: Pour in fresh lemon juice and blend again to combine. Set the sauce aside while you cook the tilapia.
Season the tilapia: Pat the tilapia fillets dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder evenly.
Heat the skillet: Warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, preparing it for cooking the fish.
Cook the tilapia: Place the seasoned tilapia fillets in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until the fish is opaque, cooked through, and flakes easily with a fork. Remove the cooked fillets and set aside.
Heat the sauce: If needed, add another tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet, pour in the roasted pepper sauce, and heat over medium heat.
Simmer the sauce: Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to develop the flavors and heat thoroughly.
Combine tilapia and sauce: Return the tilapia fillets to the skillet, spoon the sauce over the top, and cook together for an additional 1-2 minutes to meld the flavors.
Serve: Plate the tilapia warm, drizzled with the roasted pepper sauce. Ideal accompaniments include rice, quinoa, or a fresh side salad for a balanced meal.

Notes

Using jarred roasted peppers can save time without sacrificing flavor.
Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper, depending on your preference.
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce during blending.
Ensure tilapia is cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for safety.
This dish pairs well with light grains or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.