Red Pepper Romesco

Red Pepper Romesco brings bold flavor to the table with simple ingredients you may already have at home. This Spanish sauce blends roasted red peppers, nuts, garlic, and a touch of vinegar into a smooth, smoky mix that works with vegetables, meats, or even bread.

Romesco is a versatile sauce that adds depth and richness to everyday meals without requiring complicated steps.

You can prepare it in just a few minutes using pantry staples. The recipe is quick, adaptable, and full of flavor.

Drizzle it over grilled fish, toss it with pasta, or use it as a dip. It fits naturally into many dishes.

This post will guide you through making the sauce step by step. You will also find tips, substitutions, and serving ideas.

Why You Will Love This Red Pepper Romesco Recipe

This red pepper romesco offers a balance of smoky, nutty, and slightly tangy flavors. It feels rich but not heavy, and it works well with many foods.

The sauce blends roasted red peppers, garlic, vinegar, and nuts into a smooth, savory spread. Some versions include bread or tomatoes, while others keep it simple with pantry staples.

You can use it in many ways:

• Spread on sandwiches or toast
• Dip for vegetables and crackers
• Sauce for grilled meats, fish, or roasted vegetables
• Topping for pasta or grain bowls

The recipe is flexible and easy to adjust. Using jarred roasted peppers saves time, while roasting fresh peppers builds deeper flavor.

Almonds, hazelnuts, or walnuts can be swapped in, depending on what you have. The sauce is thick enough to cling to food but smooth enough to drizzle.

Because it uses simple ingredients, you can prepare it quickly. In just a few minutes, a fresh batch will be ready for busy days.

How To Make Red Pepper Romesco

This sauce blends roasted red peppers with nuts, garlic, and olive oil to create a smooth, smoky spread. You can make it quickly with simple tools and pantry staples.

Ingredients

The base of red pepper romesco comes from roasted red peppers, which provide sweetness and color. Some versions include tomatoes, but many skip them for a stronger pepper flavor.

Common ingredients include:

• 1 jar (12–16 oz) roasted red peppers, drained
• ½ cup almonds (toasted or raw)
• 2–3 garlic cloves
• 2–3 tbsp sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar
• ¼–½ cup olive oil
• 1–2 slices of bread or ¼ cup breadcrumbs (for thickness)
• Salt and smoked paprika to taste

You can add sun-dried tomatoes or chili flakes for extra flavor. Quality olive oil and freshly toasted nuts make a difference.

Instruments

You need only a few tools to make romesco. A food processor or blender creates a smooth texture.

Use a knife and cutting board for trimming garlic or bread. A skillet or oven tray helps toast nuts and bread.

A measuring cup and spoons keep quantities accurate. Store the sauce in a clean jar or airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Step-By-Step Instruction

1. Toast almonds and bread in a dry skillet until golden. This step adds depth.
2. Add peppers, nuts, garlic, vinegar, bread, and spices to a food processor. Blend until combined.
3. Stream in olive oil while blending to create a creamy texture. Adjust thickness with more oil or a splash of water.
4. Taste and adjust with salt, vinegar, or paprika as needed.

The sauce should be smooth but slightly textured. Serve it right away or chill for stronger flavor.

Tips & Tricks

When making romesco, avoid blending too long or the sauce will turn heavy. A light hand keeps the texture smooth.

Jarred roasted peppers save time and still taste great. Roasting fresh peppers adds smoky depth, so choose based on your schedule.

Here are some easy swaps:

Ingredient	Swap Option	Notes
Almonds	Hazelnuts	Adds a richer, nutty flavor
Sherry vinegar	Red wine vinegar	Slightly sharper taste
Bread	Omit or use gluten-free	Adjust thickness with nuts

Add oil slowly while blending to keep the sauce silky. Rushing can make it separate.

Taste as you go. A pinch of paprika or extra vinegar balances the flavors.

Make a larger batch and freeze small portions for later. The sauce thaws well and keeps its flavor.

Ingredient Substitute

You may not always have the exact ingredients for Romesco sauce. Substitutions still create a flavorful sauce close to the original.

If you don’t have roasted red peppers, use roasted yellow bell peppers or jarred roasted peppers. Jarred versions add a brinier flavor, so adjust vinegar or salt as needed.

For the traditional ñora peppers, which are hard to find outside Spain, use a mix of roasted red bell peppers, paprika, and smoked paprika. This gives both sweetness and smokiness.

Almonds are classic, but hazelnuts or walnuts work too. Hazelnuts add richness, while walnuts bring a more earthy note.

Bread thickens the sauce. If you don’t have bread, try toasted breadcrumbs, crackers, or a small handful of rolled oats.

Quick reference:

Original Ingredient	Possible Substitute	Flavor Note
Roasted red pepper	Yellow bell pepper, jarred pepper	Slightly sweeter or brinier
Ñora pepper	Red bell + paprika + smoked paprika	Sweet, smoky depth
Almonds	Hazelnuts, walnuts	Rich or earthy variation
Bread	Breadcrumbs, crackers, oats	Maintains thickness

These swaps keep the character of Romesco.

What To Serve With Red Pepper Romesco Recipe

Red pepper romesco pairs well with vegetables and proteins. Its smoky, nutty flavor balances roasted, grilled, or fresh sides.

Serve it with grilled vegetables like zucchini, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts. The charred edges of the vegetables match the sauce’s roasted pepper base.

Seafood works well too. Grilled shrimp, seared scallops, or baked white fish taste even better with romesco. The sauce’s acidity helps cut through the richness.

For a hearty meal, pair romesco with grilled chicken or steak. The nutty sauce adds texture and flavor to smoky meats.

Grain-based dishes also match well. Orzo, quinoa, or risotto offer a mild base that highlights the sauce’s flavors. A squeeze of lemon over the grains ties everything together.

Quick reference:

Dish Type	Pairing Ideas
Vegetables	Asparagus, zucchini, Brussels sprouts
Seafood	Shrimp, scallops, white fish
Meat	Chicken, steak, pork tenderloin
Grains/Pasta	Orzo, quinoa, risotto
Salads	Watercress, fennel, crisp slaw

Even simple sides like garlic mashed potatoes or sautéed green beans benefit from romesco. The sauce adds color and flavor with little effort.

How To Store Red Pepper Romesco

Store red pepper romesco in a clean, airtight container after preparing it. This limits air exposure and keeps the texture smooth.

Keep the container near the back of the refrigerator to maintain a steady temperature. Most homemade romesco lasts about 5–7 days in the fridge.

Some batches can last up to 10 days if handled carefully. Check for spoilage signs like sour smell, mold, or unusual texture.

For longer storage, freeze small portions of the sauce. Place cooled sauce in freezer-safe containers or bags.

Frozen romesco keeps its flavor for 4–6 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and stir before serving.

Quick reference:

Storage Method	Shelf Life
Refrigerator	5–7 days (up to 10)
Freezer	4–6 months

Use clean utensils, airtight containers, and label with dates. These habits keep romesco safe and easy to enjoy anytime.

Nutrition Breakdown

Red pepper romesco is a sauce that balances flavor with moderate calories. A typical serving of about 1 tablespoon (17 g) provides around 35–40 calories.

Most of these calories come from healthy fats, mainly from olive oil and nuts.

The macronutrient profile is simple:

• Fat: ~4 g (about 70–90% of calories)
• Carbohydrates: ~1 g
• Protein: 0 g

Nutrient (per 1 tbsp / 17 g)	Amount	% Daily Value*
Calories	40	—
Total Fat	4 g	5%
Carbohydrates	1 g	0%
Protein	0 g	0%
Sodium	70 mg	3%
Calcium	6 mg	0%
Iron	0.1 mg	1%
Potassium	38 mg	1%

*Based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

This sauce is low in protein and fiber. It provides small amounts of minerals like calcium, iron, and potassium.

Most packaged versions contain no cholesterol and no saturated fat.

Olive oil and almonds give the sauce its rich fats. It adds flavor and texture even in small portions.

Because of its calorie density, keep an eye on serving size if you track your intake.