Description
Savory Italian Puttanesca brings bold Mediterranean flavors to classic fish dishes, merging tangy olives, capers, and rich tomato sauce. Seafood enthusiasts will discover a quick, zesty meal that transports senses straight to coastal Italian kitchens.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 4 white fish fillets (such as cod, halibut, or tilapia)
- 4 anchovy fillets, chopped (optional, for added depth)
Sauce and Flavor Ingredients:
- 1 can (14 ounces/400 grams) diced tomatoes
- ⅓ cup Kalamata olives, sliced
- 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed and drained
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
Seasoning and Oils:
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
Instructions
- Meticulously dry the fish fillets with paper towels, then generously season with salt, freshly ground pepper, and optional smoked paprika for an enhanced flavor profile.
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat, carefully searing the seasoned fish fillets until they develop a golden exterior and reach perfect doneness, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
- Transfer the cooked fish to a separate plate, reserving the skillet for the upcoming sauce preparation.
- In the same skillet, introduce additional olive oil and gently sauté minced garlic, optional anchovies, and red pepper flakes until the aromatics become fragrant and slightly translucent.
- Incorporate diced tomatoes, briny olives, sharp capers, dried oregano, and a touch of sugar to balance the acidic components, allowing the mixture to simmer and develop deep, complex flavors.
- Gently nestle the previously seared fish fillets into the robust sauce, carefully spooning the liquid over the fish to ensure complete flavor integration and thorough reheating.
- Finish the dish by scattering fresh parsley across the top, creating a vibrant visual and flavor contrast.
- Serve immediately alongside crusty artisan bread, al dente pasta, or roasted seasonal vegetables to complement the bold Mediterranean-inspired flavors.
Notes
- Ensure fish is completely dry before searing to achieve a crispy, golden exterior that locks in moisture and prevents steaming.
- Use firm white fish like cod, halibut, or sea bass for best texture and ability to hold up in the robust sauce.
- Consider reducing salt if using anchovies and capers, as these ingredients already contribute significant saltiness to the dish.
- For a lighter version, replace olive oil with cooking spray and bake fish instead of pan-searing to decrease overall fat content.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg