Braised fish recipe
Here’s a flavorful and easy Braised Fish Recipe, ideal for a comforting, saucy main dish. Braising gently cooks the fish in a seasoned broth or sauce, keeping it moist and tender while infusing it with deep flavor.
Braised Fish in Savory Garlic-Tomato Sauce
This dish features tender fish fillets gently simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce with garlic, herbs, and a hint of spice. Perfect with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
Yields: 3–4 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: ~40 minutes
Ingredients
4 white fish fillets (cod, halibut, tilapia, or snapper)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
3–4 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet)
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin (optional for depth)
1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat)
1½ cups crushed tomatoes (canned or fresh)
1/2 cup vegetable or fish stock (or water)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Prep the Fish
Pat fish fillets dry and season both sides with salt and pepper. Set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 4–5 minutes.
Stir in garlic, paprika, cumin, and chili flakes. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add the Sauce
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stock. Stir well.
Simmer for 5–7 minutes, uncovered, to slightly reduce and deepen the flavor.
Taste and adjust salt or spices as needed.
4. Braise the Fish
Nestle the fish fillets into the sauce in a single layer.
Spoon some sauce over the top. Cover the pan with a lid.
Simmer gently over low heat for 8–10 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily.
5. Finish and Serve
Squeeze lemon juice over the fish before serving.
Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro.
Serving Suggestions
Serve over steamed rice, couscous, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Pair with a light green salad or sautéed greens.
Would you like a Chinese-style soy-braised version or a Mediterranean variation with olives and capers?
