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Spicy Tilapia in Pepper Sauce

This Spicy Tilapia in Pepper Sauce is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines charred peppers and garlic for a bold, savory experience. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
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Prep Time 35 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Healthy
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Fish
  • 4 fillets tilapia fillets (about 1 to 1.25 lb total), skinless and patted dry
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for searing (or avocado oil)
For the Pepper Sauce
  • 2 large red bell peppers, charred and peeled, roughly 2 cups chopped for smokiness
  • 1 medium yellow bell pepper, chopped for sweetness
  • 1 small red onion, roughly chopped, about 3/4 cup
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced use fresh for best flavor
  • 1 fresh jalapeño, seeded and chopped, or 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes adjust for heat
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth add more to thin sauce
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (or lemon)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin optional
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped, for garnish

Method
 

Preparation of Peppers
  1. Preheat the broiler or grill. Place red and yellow peppers on a baking sheet and broil about 10–12 minutes, turning until skins are blackened and blistered. Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap for 10 minutes to steam, then peel, remove seeds, and chop.
Build the Sauce
  1. In a blender or food processor, combine the charred peppers, onion, garlic, jalapeño, tomato paste, smoked paprika, cumin, and 1/4 cup broth. Blend until mostly smooth but slightly textured.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the blended mixture and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally; the sauce will thicken and deepen in color. If too thick, add up to 1/4 cup more broth. Stir in lime juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Season and Sear the Tilapia
  1. Pat tilapia dry and season both sides with the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and black pepper.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a separate nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add fillets and sear 2–3 minutes per side until golden with opaque centers.
Finish the Dish
  1. Reduce heat under the sauce to low and nestle the seared fillets into the pepper sauce, spooning sauce over them. Cook 1–2 minutes to marry flavors.
  2. Garnish with chopped cilantro.

Notes

Use fresh, ripe peppers for the sweetest, most vibrant sauce. To avoid watery sauce, drain roasted peppers well and simmer sauce until it reaches a glossy, slightly reduced consistency.