Fiery Fish Puttanesca

Fiery Fish Puttanesca – Bold, Briny & Ready in 25 Minutes

If you love dishes that explode with flavor yet take almost no time to prepare, this Fiery Fish Puttanesca will become a new favorite. Inspired by the classic Italian puttanesca sauce, this recipe brings together garlic, tomatoes, olives, capers, and red pepper flakes to create a vibrant, spicy, and aromatic meal that pairs beautifully with tender white fish fillets. Every bite balances salty, tangy, spicy, and fresh notes, making it perfect for weeknights when you want something comforting but exciting.

Ingredients

• 4 fish fillets (cod, tilapia, sea bass, or any firm white fish)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 can tomatoes (crushed or diced)
• 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
• 2 tbsp capers, drained
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (use more for extra heat)
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

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🧑‍🍳 Directions

1. Prepare the Fish
   Pat your fish fillets dry with a paper towel. Season both sides well with salt and black pepper. This helps them brown beautifully and enhances their natural flavor.

2. Sear the Fish
   Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the fillets and sear for 2–3 minutes on each side, just until lightly golden. They do not need to cook fully at this stage; you’ll finish them in the sauce. Remove the fish and set aside.

3. Build the Puttanesca Sauce
   In the same skillet, add a touch more olive oil if needed. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
   Add the red pepper flakes, olives, and capers. Stir and let everything sizzle for a moment to release their briny aroma.

4. Add the Tomatoes
   Pour in the canned tomatoes and stir well, scraping up any browned bits left from the fish. These bits add extra depth and richness to the sauce. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.

5. Finish Cooking the Fish
   Nestle the seared fish fillets into the sauce, spooning some over the top. Cover the skillet and let everything simmer together for 6–8 minutes. The fish will become tender and flaky while soaking up the intense puttanesca flavors.

6. Garnish & Serve
   Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top before serving. Enjoy your Fiery Fish Puttanesca with crusty bread, pasta, rice, or even a simple green salad.

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✨ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish delivers bold Mediterranean flavors in every bite. The spicy kick from red pepper flakes, the briny punch from capers and olives, and the sweetness of tomatoes all meld into a sauce that transforms simple fish into something extraordinary. And the best part? It comes together in just 25 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights when you still crave something delicious, vibrant, and satisfying.