Imagine a culinary journey that brings the vibrant coastal flavors of Spain right to your dinner table - without leaving your kitchen! This Spanish Fish in Red Sauce is not just a recipe, it's a flavor explosion that will make your family and friends think you've secretly trained with a Mediterranean chef. With its rich, aromatic sauce and perfectly cooked fish, this dish promises to turn an ordinary meal into an extraordinary dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Spanish
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 fish fillets (e.g., cod or hake)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients by patting the fish fillets dry with paper towels and seasoning them with salt, pepper, and half of the paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and soft, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and sliced red bell pepper to the skillet, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until the peppers start to soften.
- Pour the diced tomatoes into the skillet, stirring to combine with the vegetables. Sprinkle the remaining paprika into the sauce and season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10-12 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to slightly thicken.
- Gently place the seasoned fish fillets into the simmering sauce, ensuring they are mostly covered. Cover the skillet and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the fish is fully cooked and flakes easily with a fork.
- Carefully transfer the fish fillets to serving plates and spoon the rich red sauce over the top.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh parsley or lemon wedges, and accompanied by rice or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Tips
- Choose fresh, firm white fish like cod or hake for the best texture and flavor absorption.
- Pat the fish fillets completely dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect sear and prevent excess moisture.
- Use high-quality paprika for an authentic Spanish flavor profile - preferably Spanish smoked paprika if possible.
- Don't rush the sauce - allowing it to simmer slowly helps develop deeper, more complex flavors.
- Be gentle when placing fish in the sauce to keep the fillets intact and prevent breaking.
- For extra richness, you can add a splash of white wine to the sauce while simmering.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the fish at its most tender and the sauce at its most vibrant.
- Pair with a crisp white wine or Spanish Albariño for an authentic dining experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 129kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 15mg
