Skillet Fish in Spicy Tomato Sauce

Recipe Introduction: Get Hooked on This Skillet Fish Recipe !
Fancy a super quick and tasty meal? This skillet fish recipe is your answer. Honestly, it's so simple, even I can't mess it up! The best part? It's a flavour explosion, with a spicy tomato kick that’ll warm you right up.
One-Pan Wonder: A Quick Fish Recipe Weeknight Winner
This dish takes inspiration from classic Mediterranean cooking, simple, rustic, and bursting with flavour. It's a one pan fish dinner solution for busy bees.
Ready in just 20 minutes, this recipe serves 4 hungry souls.
Why You'll Love This Easy Skillet Fish Recipe
This recipe is a lifesaver. Using canned tomatoes means it's super affordable. It's also relatively healthy, offering a good dose of protein and nutrients.
It's perfect for a fuss free quick fish recipe weeknight or when you just need a bit of comfort food. I like it because i never have to make a sauce from scratch.
Let's Talk Ingredients: Simple and Delicious
Okay, now for the good stuff. You'll need vegetable oil, diced green pepper, dried oregano, condensed tomato soup, water, garlic powder, black pepper, ground red pepper, and your choice of fish fillets.
Skillet cod recipe tomato sauce ingredients are really simple and quick to grab from your pantry, right? I'm using halibut today, but cod or haddock work great too! You could even use salmon.
Time to get cooking!
Ingredients & Equipment
Alright, so you're thinking of making this awesome skillet fish recipe ? Sweet! Here's the lowdown on what you'll need. This easy skillet fish recipe is a winner for any weeknight.
Main Ingredients for Skillet Fish Recipe
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) vegetable oil: Nothing fancy, just the regular stuff.
- 1 small green pepper, diced (about 2/3 cup/approx. 100g): Adds a nice crunch and flavour.
- ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) dried oregano leaves, crushed: Gotta have that Italian vibe, you know?
- 1 (10.75 ounce/305g) can condensed tomato soup: The star of the show for this tomato soup fish recipe .
- ⅓ cup (80 ml) water: To thin out the soup a bit.
- ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) garlic powder: Because everything is better with garlic!
- ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) black pepper: A classic!
- ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) ground red pepper (cayenne pepper): Adds a spicy skillet fish kick, adjust to your liking.
- 1 pound (approx. 450g) firm white fish fillets (cod, haddock, or halibut), cut into 4 equal portions: Fresh is best, obviously, but frozen and thawed works great too. If going for skillet halibut recipe make sure it is very fresh
Seasoning Notes for Skillet Fish Recipe
Oregano, garlic powder, black pepper and red pepper are the core combo. But don't be shy! A pinch of smoked paprika can add depth.
A squeeze of lemon juice can brighten things up. Don't have oregano? Thyme works in a pinch.
Equipment Needed for Skillet Fish Recipe
- Medium skillet with lid: This is key. You want a lid to steam the fish. A one pan fish dinner is all about that!
- Measuring spoons & cups: Obvs.
- Cutting board & knife: For dicing that green pepper.
- Fork: For testing if the fish is cooked.
Honestly, this quick fish recipe weeknight dish is so simple. You probably have most of this stuff already. No need for fancy gadgets.
If you do not have a lid just find any you have available in your kitchen.
Skillet Fish: Your New Weeknight Hero
Honestly, sometimes you just need dinner fast . You know? This easy skillet fish recipe is my go-to when I'm craving something healthy and flavorful but don't have hours to spend in the kitchen.
It's all about simple ingredients and minimal effort. I tweaked a tomato soup fish recipe I saw online to make it even easier because who has time for complicated after a long day? It’s that tasty.
Prep Steps to Get You Started
- Essential mise en place : Dice that green pepper and grab your spices. It's all about being organized. I can't stand scrambling for stuff mid-cook.
- Time saving organization tips : Open the can of tomato soup before you start heating the oil. Trust me on this one.
step-by-step Skillet Fish Recipe Process
- Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté the diced green pepper and ½ teaspoon crushed oregano for about 3- 5 minutes , until softened.
- Add the can of tomato soup , ⅓ cup water , ¼ teaspoon garlic powder , ¼ teaspoon black pepper , and ¼ teaspoon red pepper to the skillet. Stir.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer.
- Gently place your 1 pound of fish fillets into the sauce.
- Cover and cook for about 5 minutes , or until the fish flakes easily.
- Serve immediately. Serve with rice.
Pro Tips for Skillet Cod Recipe Tomato Sauce Perfection
- Don't overcook the fish! I cannot stress this enough. Fish cooks fast . You want it to flake easily, not be tough like shoe leather.
- Spice it up! This recipe is super adaptable. If you like a kick, add a pinch more red pepper. If you want a spicy skillet fish , try a dash of cayenne!
- Common mistake alert : I once used frozen fish that wasn't fully thawed. Big mistake! The sauce got all watery. Make sure it's fully thawed and patted dry for best results. Also, you can use Skillet halibut recipe as well.
Recipe Notes: Making the Skillet Fish Recipe Your Own
Let's talk about tweaking this skillet fish recipe to make it perfect for you! Honestly, recipes are just guidelines. So don't be afraid to play around. You know?
Serving It Up: Plating & Perfect Sides
Presentation matters, even for a quick weeknight meal. I like to serve this easy skillet fish recipe right from the pan, family style.
Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley. It makes everything look a bit fancier.
For sides, fluffy rice is classic, but quinoa works too. For a veggie boost, try steamed broccoli. Also a simple green salad cuts through the richness of the sauce.
A glass of crisp white wine? Oh my gosh, divine.
Storing Leftovers: Keep It Fresh
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Let the fish cool completely. Then pop it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. It's good for up to 2 days.
Freezing isn't really recommended. The sauce can get a bit watery when defrosted. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet.
Or microwave it for a quick lunch. Remember to keep the fish at 165° F ( 74° C) .
Variations: Mixing It Up
Want a different flavor profile? This skillet cod recipe tomato sauce is a great base. Try adding some olives and capers for a Mediterranean vibe. Squeeze in some lemon juice for brightness.
For a dietary adaptation, use low-sodium tomato soup. Also use a gluten-free alternative. You can also swap out the green pepper for some other vegetable you like, like eggplant, onions, or zucchini.
Use salmon instead for a skillet halibut recipe .
Nutrition Snippets: Goodness in Every Bite
This tomato soup fish recipe is packed with protein and vitamins. Fish is great for your heart. The tomatoes give you antioxidants. It's a relatively low-fat meal.
Remember, nutrition info is an estimate. Sodium levels can vary depending on the soup.
So there you have it! This one pan fish dinner is so adaptable. Now go, and make this Spicy Skillet Fish your own. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen fish for this skillet fish recipe, or does it have to be fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen fish works perfectly well. Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking, and pat it dry with paper towels. This will help it cook evenly and prevent the sauce from becoming too watery - nobody wants a soggy bottom, as they say on Bake Off!
My family isn't keen on spicy food. How can I tone down the heat in this skillet fish recipe?
No worries, mate! Simply reduce or completely omit the ground red pepper (cayenne pepper). You can also add a pinch of sugar to the tomato sauce to balance the acidity and round out the flavors. A squeeze of lemon juice at the end can also add a bright, fresh counterpoint to any lingering heat.
What's the best way to store leftover skillet fish in tomato sauce?
Allow the fish and sauce to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, making sure the fish is heated through.
Be careful not to overcook it when reheating or it will become dry.
Can I substitute the type of fish in this recipe? I don't have cod on hand.
Of course! This skillet fish recipe is very versatile. Haddock, halibut, tilapia, or even sea bass would all work beautifully. You could even use salmon for a richer, more flavorful dish. Just be mindful that different types of fish may have slightly different cooking times, so keep a close eye on it.
I'm watching my sodium intake. Are there any modifications I can make to this skillet fish recipe?
Great question! The biggest sodium culprit is the condensed tomato soup. Look for a low-sodium version, or consider making your own tomato sauce from scratch using fresh or canned tomatoes, herbs, and spices. You can also reduce or omit the added salt, and instead rely on herbs and spices for flavor.
Serving with brown rice is also a healthier option.
Could I add other vegetables to this skillet fish recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your veggies. Sliced mushrooms, onions, or zucchini would all be delicious additions to the sauce. You can sauté them along with the green pepper at the beginning.
For something different, try adding a handful of spinach or kale towards the end of the cooking time, allowing it to wilt into the sauce. Make sure the fish still has enough space in the pan!
Skillet Fish In Spicy Tomato Sauce

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 250 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 8g |
| Fiber | 2g |