Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Fish Puttanesca offers a wonderful balance of tangy, salty, and spicy flavors that elevate simple fish into a gourmet meal. The sauce is quick to prepare, packed with robust ingredients, and complements a variety of white fish. It’s an easy, healthy dish full of Mediterranean flair.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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White fish fillets (such as cod, halibut, or tilapia)
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Olive oil
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Garlic (minced)
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Anchovy fillets (chopped)
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Crushed red pepper flakes
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Canned diced tomatoes
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Kalamata olives (pitted and sliced)
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Capers (rinsed)
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Fresh parsley (chopped)
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Salt and black pepper
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Lemon wedges (for serving)
Directions
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic, anchovies, and red pepper flakes. Sauté until fragrant and anchovies dissolve.
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Add diced tomatoes, olives, and capers to the skillet. Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to thicken slightly.
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Season fish fillets with salt and pepper. Nestle them into the sauce and spoon some sauce over the top.
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Cover and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
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Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top and serve with lemon wedges.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 20 minutes
Variations
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Use shrimp or scallops instead of fish for a seafood twist.
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Add fresh basil or oregano for additional herbal notes.
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Serve over cooked pasta, polenta, or with garlic bread.
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Increase heat by adding more crushed red pepper flakes or fresh chili.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to avoid overcooking the fish.
FAQs
What types of fish work best?
Firm white fish like cod, halibut, tilapia, or sea bass work well.
Can I use fresh tomatoes?
Yes, substitute canned tomatoes with fresh diced tomatoes when in season.
Is anchovy flavor strong?
Anchovies melt into the sauce, adding umami without a strong fishy taste.
Can I make this recipe ahead?
Prepare the sauce in advance and add fish just before cooking.
Is this dish spicy?
It has a mild heat from red pepper flakes, adjustable to taste.
Can I freeze leftovers?
It’s best fresh; freezing may affect the texture of the fish.
What sides pair well with Fish Puttanesca?
Pasta, crusty bread, rice, or roasted vegetables complement the dish.
Can I omit anchovies?
You can omit, but they add depth and richness to the sauce.
How do I know when the fish is cooked?
Fish should flake easily with a fork and be opaque throughout.
Can I use canned olives?
Yes, Kalamata or black olives are best, rinsed if briny.
Conclusion
Fish Puttanesca is a vibrant and easy-to-make dish that brings bold Mediterranean flavors to your table. Combining tender fish with a savory, tangy sauce of tomatoes, olives, and capers, it’s a healthy and satisfying meal perfect for any night of the week. Quick to prepare and full of flavor, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Fish Puttanesca
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Fish Puttanesca is a vibrant Italian-inspired dish featuring tender white fish fillets simmered in a bold sauce of tomatoes, olives, capers, garlic, and anchovies. This savory Mediterranean recipe is quick to prepare, healthy, and perfect served over pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
Ingredients
-
White fish fillets (such as cod, halibut, or tilapia)
-
Olive oil
-
Garlic (minced)
-
Anchovy fillets (chopped)
-
Crushed red pepper flakes
-
Canned diced tomatoes
-
Kalamata olives (pitted and sliced)
-
Capers (rinsed)
-
Fresh parsley (chopped)
-
Salt and black pepper
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic, chopped anchovies, and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté until fragrant and anchovies dissolve.
-
Add diced tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and capers. Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes to meld flavors and slightly thicken.
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Season fish fillets with salt and pepper. Nestle the fillets gently into the sauce and spoon sauce over the top.
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Cover and cook for 6-8 minutes until fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
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Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
Substitute shrimp or scallops for a different seafood option.Add fresh basil or oregano for extra herbal flavor.Serve over pasta, polenta, or with garlic bread.Adjust heat by adding more crushed red pepper flakes or fresh chili peppers.
