Cod in Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

Posted on April 24, 2025

Looking for a dish that’s equal parts comforting and impressive? This Cod in Roasted Red Pepper Sauce is it! Light, flaky cod fillets simmered in a velvety, smoky red pepper sauce make this recipe a total weeknight win. It’s creamy without cream, flavorful without fuss, and comes together in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for the family or planning a cozy dinner for two, this dish is simple enough for beginners but elegant enough to feel like a little occasion.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love Cod in Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

This cod in roasted red pepper sauce is the kind of recipe that’ll sneak into your weekly rotation—and stay there. It’s packed with flavor from fire-roasted red peppers, garlic, and a splash of olive oil, but still light and healthy. The sauce blends up in seconds, and the cod cooks right in it, soaking up every last bit of goodness. Bonus? It feels fancy but uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, or cauliflower rice—this dish is as flexible as it is delicious!

Ingredients

You won’t need a long shopping list for this one! Most of the flavor comes from pantry staples and a jar of roasted red peppers. Here’s everything you’ll need:

4 cod fillets (about 5–6 oz each)
1 (12 oz) jar of roasted red peppers, drained
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ cup vegetable or chicken broth
¼ cup heavy cream or coconut milk (optional for a creamy twist)
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish (optional)
Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

This recipe is as easy as blend, simmer, and serve! Here’s how to bring this flavorful dish together:

Make the Sauce
In a blender or food processor, combine the roasted red peppers, garlic, onion, broth, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Sauté the Base
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Pour in the red pepper sauce and let it simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and becomes fragrant.
Add Cream (Optional)
Stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk, if using. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes for a silkier texture.
Cook the Cod
Nestle the cod fillets into the sauce. Spoon a bit of the sauce over the top, cover the pan, and let cook for 8–10 minutes, or until the cod flakes easily with a fork.
Finish and Serve
Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Sprinkle with fresh herbs and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Servings and Timing

This recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner or a quick lunch that feels a little fancy. It makes 4 servings, ideal for a small family or for meal-prepping a couple of days ahead.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: 25–30 minutes

Tips and Variations

This dish is already pretty versatile, but here are a few fun ways to mix things up:

No Cod? Swap in haddock, tilapia, or even salmon.
Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped chili when blending the sauce.
Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk instead of cream, or skip it entirely—the sauce is still delicious without it!
Add Veggies: Toss in baby spinach, kale, or peas during the last few minutes of cooking.
Serve It Up: Try it over rice, quinoa, mashed potatoes, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.

Storage

Got leftovers? Lucky you—this dish reheats beautifully!

Refrigerate: Store leftover cod and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave in 30-second bursts until heated through. Add a splash of broth or water if the sauce thickens too much.
Freeze: You can freeze it, but the texture of the fish may change slightly. If freezing, do so in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cod?

Absolutely! Just make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.

Is this dish spicy?

Not at all—unless you want it to be! Add chili flakes or a hot pepper to the sauce for extra heat.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes! The sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge. Just reheat before adding the fish.

What if I don’t have a blender?

No problem—use a food processor or finely chop everything and simmer longer for a chunky-style sauce.

What’s a good side dish for this?

It pairs perfectly with rice, mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or roasted veggies.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Totally! Just skip the cream or use coconut milk for a luscious dairy-free version.

How do I know when the cod is done?

The fish is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque all the way through.

And there you have it—Cod in Roasted Red Pepper Sauce that’s flavorful, fuss-free, and totally weeknight-worthy! Whether you’re trying to eat lighter, impress a dinner guest, or just shake up your regular meal routine, this dish is a keeper. With just a few simple ingredients and a blender, you’ll have a vibrant, restaurant-worthy meal on the table in no time. Don’t forget to pin this recipe for later and share it with your fellow foodies—because good food is meant to be shared.

Craving more tasty recipes? Follow @butteryrecipes on Pinterest and Facebook for daily inspiration!

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