Delicious Cod with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

Did you know that cod is one of the most widely consumed white fish in the world, prized for its mild flavor and lean protein content? Yet nearly 55% of home cooks report overcooking white fish, resulting in dryness. What if you could prepare Cabillaud Délicieux à la Sauce Poivron Rouge Rôti (Delicious Cod with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce) that’s tender, flaky, and restaurant-worthy in under 30 minutes?

This vibrant seafood dish pairs perfectly baked cod with a silky roasted red pepper sauce—slightly sweet, smoky, and beautifully balanced. It’s elegant enough for dinner parties, yet simple enough for a healthy weeknight meal.

Let’s break down how to prepare this flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dish step by step.

Introduction: Why Cod and Roasted Red Pepper Are a Perfect Match

Why does Delicious Cod with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce work so well?

Because it balances:

Mild, flaky cod
Sweet, smoky roasted peppers
Light acidity from lemon
Creamy texture without heaviness

Cod is naturally low in fat but high in protein. When paired with roasted red pepper sauce—rich in antioxidants like vitamin C—you get a light yet deeply satisfying dish.

The key is gentle cooking to preserve cod’s delicate texture.

Ingredients for Delicious Cod with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

For the Cod

4 cod fillets (6 oz each)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika
Juice of half a lemon

For the Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

2 large red bell peppers, roasted and peeled (or 1 cup jarred roasted peppers)
2 cloves garlic
2 tablespoons olive oil
¼ cup heavy cream or Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon lemon juice
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt to taste

Optional Garnish

Fresh parsley
Basil
Cracked black pepper
Lemon zest

Smart Substitutions

Use coconut milk instead of cream for dairy-free version
Swap cod with halibut or haddock
Add chili flakes for gentle heat
Use almond milk for lighter sauce

Pro Tip: Pat cod dry before seasoning to help it bake evenly.

Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15–18 minutes
Total Time: 25–30 minutes

That’s significantly faster than many baked seafood recipes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cod

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

Pat cod fillets dry.

Brush with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and lemon juice.

Place on lined baking sheet.

Step 2: Bake the Cod

Bake for 12–15 minutes, depending on thickness.

Fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches 145°F (63°C) internally.

Avoid overcooking—cod becomes dry quickly.

Step 3: Make the Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

In a blender, combine:

Roasted red peppers
Garlic
Olive oil
Cream or yogurt
Lemon juice
Smoked paprika
Salt

Blend until smooth and silky.

For warm sauce, gently heat in saucepan for 2–3 minutes.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

Spoon roasted red pepper sauce onto plates.

Place baked cod on top.

Garnish with parsley and lemon zest.

Serve immediately.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Approximate Value
Calories	320 kcal
Protein	35g
Fat	16g
Carbohydrates	8g
Fiber	2g
Vitamin C	150% DV

Data Insight: Red peppers contain more vitamin C than oranges.

Healthier Alternatives

Low-Fat Version

Replace cream with Greek yogurt
Reduce olive oil slightly

Dairy-Free Option

Use coconut milk or cashew cream

Low-Carb

Naturally low-carb as written

Extra Veggie Boost

Serve over sautéed spinach or zucchini noodles

These variations maintain flavor while fitting different dietary needs.

Serving Suggestions

Delicious Cod with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce pairs beautifully with:

Garlic roasted potatoes
Steamed asparagus
Lemon quinoa
Wild rice
Crusty bread

For elegant presentation:
Serve over a bed of sauce with microgreens on top.

For weeknight meals:
Pair with a simple side salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overbaking the Cod

Monitor internal temperature carefully.

2. Not Draining Jarred Peppers

Excess liquid can thin the sauce.

3. Skipping Seasoning

Cod requires proper salt balance.

4. Using High Heat on Sauce

Gentle warming prevents separation.

5. Over-Blending with Too Much Liquid

Sauce should be thick and smooth.

Avoid these for perfect results.

Storing Tips

Refrigerator

Store leftovers up to 2 days in airtight container.

Reheating

Reheat gently in oven at 325°F.

Freezing

Not recommended for sauce with dairy.

Meal Prep Tip:
Prepare sauce ahead; cook fish fresh.

Conclusion

This Delicious Cod with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce delivers flaky, tender fish topped with a silky, smoky sauce in under 30 minutes. It’s light, elegant, and packed with flavor.

Try it tonight, leave your feedback in the comments, and subscribe for more simple yet impressive seafood recipes!

FAQs

Can I pan-sear the cod instead?

Yes. Cook 3–4 minutes per side over medium heat.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, naturally gluten-free.

Can I use frozen cod?

Yes, thaw completely and pat dry first.

What wine pairs well?

A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

Can I make the sauce ahead?

Yes, refrigerate up to 3 days and reheat gently.