Red Snapper with Creamy Creole Sauce
Red Snapper with Creamy Creole Sauce is a vibrant and comforting dish that pairs tender, flaky red snapper fillets with a luscious, spicy, and creamy Creole sauce made from tomatoes, spices, and fresh herbs. This quick and easy recipe delivers bold southern flavors with minimal effort, perfect for weeknight dinners or impressive special occasions.
- Author: Nora
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Creole, Southern
- Diet: Gluten Free
Fish
- 4 fresh red snapper fillets (6 oz each), firm and mild-flavored
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Creole Sauce
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ¼ to ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- ¼ cup fresh parsley or thyme, chopped
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- Prepare the Vegetables: Finely chop the onion, bell pepper, and garlic. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté them gently until soft and translucent, forming the fragrant base of the Creole sauce.
- Sear the Red Snapper: Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the red snapper fillets with salt and black pepper. Sear each side until golden brown and just cooked through. Remove from the pan and keep warm.
- Make the Creole Sauce: In the same pan, add the sautéed vegetables back along with crushed tomatoes, paprika, cayenne pepper, and chopped herbs. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Add Cream and Season: Slowly stir in the heavy cream and continue cooking until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes silky smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and a splash of fresh lemon juice for brightness.
- Combine and Serve: Return the seared red snapper to the pan with the creamy Creole sauce, spoon some sauce over the fillets, and allow to meld for one minute. Plate and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use the freshest fish available for best flavor and texture.
- Don’t overcook the snapper; remove when it flakes easily with a fork.
- Sauté vegetables gently to enhance their sweetness and keep the sauce smooth.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to control heat level according to taste.
- A non-stick skillet helps prevent fish from sticking and breaking apart.
- Add fresh herbs at the end to retain their bright flavor and aroma.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet with sauce
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: red snapper, creole sauce, creamy sauce, seafood dinner, quick recipe, southern cuisine, spicy, healthy, gluten free