Fillets In Red Sauce

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Mediterranean

Fillets in Red Sauce offers a flavorful, tender seafood dish with a rich tomato-based sauce infused with olives and citrus. Perfect for a quick yet elegant meal, it pairs well with rice or crusty bread, appealing to seafood lovers and those seeking a vibrant, savory dish.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 2 ribs celery
  • 1 small green pepper
  • 1 small onion
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 tomato
  • 1 can tomato sauce
  • 1 can water
  • 1 1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/3 lemon (juice of 1/3 lemon or 1 1/2 tsp.)
  • 1/2 bay leaf
  • 1 1/2 lb. flounder or lemon sole

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a pan; add chopped celery, chopped green pepper, chopped onion, and chopped garlic. Saute until beginning to soften.
  2. Add chopped tomato, tomato sauce, and water. Simmer until the vegetables are soft.
  3. Remove the sauce from the pan and puree it until smooth.
  4. Return half of the sauce to the pan. Arrange the fish fillets in a single layer if possible, and top with the remaining sauce and sliced olives.
  5. Simmer until the fish is cooked through.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can elevate the dish. If flounder isn't available, any mild white fish will work well. To save time, pre-chopped vegetables can be used. This dish pairs beautifully with Mediterranean recipes, enhancing the overall experience.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the fillets in red sauce over a bed of rice or alongside crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. A fresh green salad or steamed vegetables complement the dish well. For extra flavor, sprinkle with fresh herbs before serving. This dish also pairs nicely with a glass of white wine.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm the fillets in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the sauce moist. Avoid microwaving to prevent overcooking the fish.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Fillets In Red Sauce contains roughly 1166 calories, with 19g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 107g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (48% of the Daily Value), protein (38% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 628mg per serving (27% of the Daily Value).

1166 kcal 58% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 18.9g 38% DV
Total Fat 107.1g 100% DV
Carbs 39.8g 14% DV
Fiber 6.8g 24% DV
Sugar 11.6g 23% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 628mg 27% DV
Potassium 1189.3mg 25% DV
Cholesterol 45mg 15% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 85.9mcg 10% DV
Vitamin C 34.4mg 38% DV
Vitamin D 2.8mcg 14% DV
Calcium 144mg 11% DV
Iron 8.7mg 48% DV
Diet fit High-fiber

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen fish fillets for this recipe?

Yes, frozen fish fillets can be used, but it's best to thaw them completely before cooking. This will ensure even cooking and prevent the fish from becoming rubbery. Adjust cooking time as needed, as frozen fillets may take a few extra minutes to cook through.

What can I substitute for Worcestershire sauce?

If you don't have Worcestershire sauce, you can substitute it with a mixture of soy sauce and a splash of vinegar. Alternatively, balsamic vinegar can also add a similar depth of flavor to the dish. Adjust the amount to your taste.

Is there a way to make this dish spicier?

To add some heat, consider incorporating crushed red pepper flakes into the sauce while it simmers. You could also serve the dish with a side of hot sauce or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper on top to give it an extra kick.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

Mediterranean recipes → Seafood recipes → All recipes →