Description
Delicious fish puttanesca brings Mediterranean passion to seafood lovers with bold, zesty flavors dancing across tender fillets. Naples-inspired sauce blends tangy olives, capers, and tomatoes, creating a quick, elegant meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 white fish fillets (such as cod, halibut, or tilapia)
- 1 can (14 ounces/400 grams) diced tomatoes
- ⅓ cup Kalamata olives, sliced
- 4 anchovy fillets, chopped (optional, for added depth)
Seasonings and Herbs:
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- ½ teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Aromatics and Garnish:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed and drained
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Meticulously dry the fish fillets using clean paper towels, then enhance with a delicate blend of seasoning. Create a golden sear in a heated skillet with olive oil, cooking each side until perfectly crisp and tender. Transfer the fish to a waiting plate.
- Utilize the same skillet to craft a robust sauce, infusing the oil with aromatic garlic, umami-rich anchovies, and a subtle kick of red pepper flakes. Allow these ingredients to release their fragrant essence.
- Introduce diced tomatoes, briny olives, and sharp capers into the developing sauce. Sprinkle in oregano and a whisper of sugar to balance the intense flavors. Let the mixture simmer and harmonize, developing a complex, layered taste profile.
- Gently nestle the previously seared fish into the simmering sauce, ensuring each fillet is lovingly coated. Allow the fish to absorb the vibrant Mediterranean-inspired flavors for a few moments.
- Finish the dish with a verdant scatter of fresh parsley, creating a bright visual and flavor contrast. Serve immediately alongside crusty artisan bread or a light pasta to complement the rich, tangy sauce.
Notes
- Choose firm white fish like cod, halibut, or sea bass for best texture and ability to hold up in the sauce.
- Pat fish completely dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden sear and prevent steaming instead of browning.
- Adjust red pepper flakes based on your heat preference, starting with a small amount and adding more gradually.
- Optional swap for anchovies: Use anchovy paste or omit entirely for a vegetarian-friendly version that still maintains deep umami flavor.
- Balance tomato sauce’s acidity by adding a pinch of sugar if the sauce tastes too tart, creating a more rounded flavor profile.
- Consider making extra sauce to store in refrigerator for up to 3 days, perfect for quick meals or reheating with additional protein.
- Gluten-free option: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional pasta for a low-carb alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg