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How to Cook · Sauces

Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

Makes about ¾ cup, serves 2–4Prep 10 minCook 15 minTotal 25 minSauces
A vivid roasted red pepper butter sauce

A bright, vivid sauce built on a smooth purée of roasted red peppers, sharpened with a little vinegar and rounded out with a touch of sugar, then finished by whisking in cold butter for a glossy, silky body. It comes together in minutes and brings sweet, smoky color to seared fish or chicken—and pairs surprisingly well with vegetables.

Makes about ¾ cup, serves 2–4

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Ingredients

Sauces

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Concentrating Flavor

Method

Make the pepper reduction

Combine the red peppers and water in a blender and blend until smooth, then pass through a fine strainer into a saucepan. Add the vinegar and sugar, bring to a boil over medium heat, then simmer on medium-low for about 10 minutes until the flavors start to concentrate.

Mount the butter

Remove the saucepan from the heat and whisk in the cold butter a cube at a time until glossy. Transfer the sauce to a bowl and season with salt and pepper.

Pairs with: Pan-Seared Swordfish

Part of Sauces in the How to Cook series.