Dinner

Tilapia in Roasted Pepper Sauce Recipe

ByRita Bennet February 12, 2026February 12, 2026

Introduction

This Tilapia in Roasted Pepper Sauce is a vibrant, flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. The smoky roasted red pepper sauce complements the delicate fish beautifully, creating a meal that’s both healthy and satisfying.

A white bowl filled with two thick pieces of white fish fillets placed in the center, covered with a rich, creamy orange sauce with a slightly chunky texture that includes small bits of red peppers and herbs. The sauce surrounds the fish and has a glossy, smooth appearance with visible specks of black pepper and green herbs sprinkled on top, adding contrast to the orange color. The fish is garnished with small green herb leaves scattered across the top. The bowl is placed on a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 tilapia fillets (about 6 ounces each)
2 red bell peppers, roasted and peeled

1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup vegetable or chicken broth

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the red bell peppers on a baking sheet and roast for about 20 minutes, turning them halfway through, until the skins are charred and blistered. Remove from the oven, place in a bowl, and cover with a towel or plastic wrap. Let them steam for 10 minutes to loosen the skins. Peel off the skins, remove seeds, and chop the peppers into pieces.

Step 2: In a medium skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Add the roasted peppers to the skillet along with vegetable broth, balsamic vinegar, smoked paprika, and dried oregano. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes to meld the flavors. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer the mixture to a blender or use an immersion blender to puree until smooth.
Step 4: In the same skillet, heat a bit of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the tilapia fillets with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook the fish for 3-4 minutes on each side until cooked through and flaky.

Step 5: Spoon the roasted pepper sauce over the cooked tilapia fillets. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

For extra depth, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a spicy kick.
If you don’t have fresh bell peppers, jarred roasted red peppers can be a convenient substitute.

Serve with rice or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Storage

Store leftover tilapia and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking the fish. The sauce can also be used on its own as a flavorful dip or spread.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with a creamy orange sauce that has a smooth texture and visible herbs mixed in, covering two thick, white fish fillets placed side by side in the center. The fillets are slightly browned with black pepper sprinkled on top. Within the sauce, there are small pieces of red bell pepper and green herbs. The dish is garnished with fresh green parsley scattered on the fish and sauce. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of fish for this recipe?

Yes, mild white fish like cod, haddock, or sole work well with the roasted pepper sauce and will cook similarly to tilapia.

How do I roast bell peppers without an oven?

You can roast bell peppers over an open flame on a gas stove or grill, turning until the skin is charred and blistered. Then follow the steaming and peeling steps as usual.