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Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Cod

creamy roasted red pepper cod - featured image

A quick and easy baked cod recipe featuring tender flaky fish topped with a creamy, smoky roasted red pepper sauce. Perfect for cozy dinners and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds cod fillets, fresh or thawed, skinless and boneless if possible
  • 2 large roasted red peppers (fresh or 1 jar, drained)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (120 ml) or coconut cream for dairy-free
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a small skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute, without browning.
  3. In a blender or food processor, combine the roasted red peppers, sautéed garlic with oil, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  4. Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Place them in an oven-safe baking dish, leaving space between each piece.
  5. Pour the creamy roasted red pepper sauce evenly over the cod fillets, coating them well but not swimming in sauce.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, until the cod flakes easily with a fork but remains moist. Watch carefully to avoid overcooking.
  7. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top just before serving.

Notes

If the sauce is too thick before baking, stir in a splash of water or broth to loosen it slightly. For a lightly caramelized top, broil for the last 1-2 minutes but watch closely. Patting the fish dry before baking prevents it from steaming and becoming mushy. Use fresh or well-drained jarred roasted peppers to avoid thinning the sauce. Let the fish rest briefly after baking to keep it moist. The sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: cod recipe, roasted red pepper sauce, creamy fish dinner, baked cod, easy fish recipe, quick dinner, healthy seafood