Dinner

Baked Piri-Piri Tilapia with Crushed Potatoes Recipe

Name: Baked Piri-Piri Tilapia with Crushed Potatoes Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 600g small new potatoes; 2 red peppers, cut into chunky pieces; 1 tbsp red wine vinegar; Drizzle of extra virgin olive oil; Salt and pepper, to season; 6 hot pickled peppers (such as Peppadew); 1 tsp chilli flakes; 2 garlic cloves; Juice and zest of 1 lemon; 1 tbsp red wine vinegar; 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 1 tbsp smoked paprika; Salt, to taste; 4 large pieces tilapia or cod; Green salad; Extra piri-piri sauce

ByJack Voss January 22, 2026January 22, 2026

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Introduction

This baked piri-piri tilapia with crushed potatoes is a vibrant and flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The spicy piri-piri sauce complements the tender fish and crispy potatoes for a satisfying meal. It’s easy to prepare and packed with delicious Mediterranean-inspired flavors.

The image shows a white plate with a serving of white fish fillets topped with a chunky red sauce made from chopped red chili peppers. Around the fish are crispy roasted small potatoes with golden brown skin, mixed with pieces of vibrant red roasted peppers. A silver fork is placed on the right side of the plate. The plate rests on a white marbled surface with a light gray cloth napkin partially visible underneath. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

600g small new potatoes
2 red peppers, cut into chunky pieces
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
Drizzle of extra virgin olive oil
4 large pieces tilapia or cod
Green salad, to serve
6 hot pickled peppers (e.g., Peppadew)
1 tsp chilli flakes
2 garlic cloves
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp smoked paprika

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 220°C (200°C fan/gas mark 7). Boil the new potatoes in salted water until you can easily pierce them with a knife, then drain well.
Step 2: Spread the cooked potatoes on a large baking tray and gently crush them with the back of a spatula. Add the red peppers, drizzle with red wine vinegar and olive oil, season with salt and pepper, then roast for 25 minutes.
Step 3: Meanwhile, combine the hot pickled peppers, chilli flakes, garlic, lemon juice and zest, red wine vinegar, olive oil, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt in a food processor. Purée until smooth to make the piri-piri sauce.
Step 4: Place the tilapia or cod pieces on a separate baking tray. Spoon some of the piri-piri sauce over the fish and season with salt and pepper.
Step 5: When the potatoes have been roasting for about 15 minutes, put the fish in the oven and bake for the last 10 minutes of the potatoes’ cooking time, until the fish is cooked through and flaky.
Step 6: Serve the roasted potatoes and peppers alongside the baked fish, with the remaining piri-piri sauce and a fresh green salad on the side.

Tips & Variations

Use cod instead of tilapia if you prefer a firmer, thicker fish.
If you like extra heat, add a fresh chilli to the piri-piri sauce.
Try roasting some cherry tomatoes with the peppers for added sweetness.
Serve with crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to avoid drying out the fish. Potatoes are best crisped up again under the grill or in a hot pan before serving.

How to Serve

A white plate on a white marbled surface holds a serving of baked white fish fillets topped with a red chili and oil sauce that looks spicy and oily. Around the fish are small roasted potatoes with a golden-brown color, mixed with bright red roasted chili peppers. A silver fork rests on the right side of the plate. The dish’s colors are mostly white, red, and golden-browned, with a slightly oily, textured look from the sauce and roasted vegetables. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen fish for this recipe?

Yes, frozen tilapia or cod works well. Thaw it completely before baking and pat dry to ensure even cooking.

How spicy is the piri-piri sauce?

The sauce has a moderate heat level from the chilli flakes and pickled peppers. Adjust the amount of chilli flakes to suit your taste if you prefer it milder or hotter.