Red Snapper with Creamy Creole Sauce
Red Snapper with Creamy Creole Sauce is a vibrant, flavorful seafood dish that combines the delicate flakiness of fresh red snapper with a rich, velvety Creole sauce bursting with spices, tomatoes, and a touch of cream. This quick and easy recipe delivers Southern charm with simple, fresh ingredients, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
- Author: Barbara
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Southern, Creole
- Diet: Gluten Free
Fish and Seasoning
- 4 fresh red snapper fillets (skin-on, about 6 oz each)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Creole seasoning, plus extra for sauce
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Creole seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Prepare the Fish: Pat your red snapper fillets dry and lightly season them with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Creole seasoning. This ensures each bite is flavorful and sets the stage for a perfectly seared crust.
- Sear the Red Snapper: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the fish skin-side down and cook for about 4 minutes until the skin is crisp and golden. Flip carefully and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside to rest, locking in the juices.
- Build the Creole Sauce: In the same pan, reduce heat to medium and add diced onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in crushed tomatoes, Creole seasoning, and cayenne pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently to meld the flavors.
- Add Cream and Simmer: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens slightly to a luscious consistency. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or seasoning as needed to balance the tanginess and spiciness.
- Combine and Serve: Return the red snapper to the skillet and spoon sauce generously over each fillet. Let it warm through for 1-2 minutes, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley before plating.
Notes
- Choose fresh fish with bright eyes and firm flesh for the best texture and flavor.
- Do not overcook the snapper; remove it when it flakes easily to keep it moist and tender.
- Build flavor in layers by sautéing aromatics slowly and simmering the sauce to deepen flavors.
- Use a nonstick or cast-iron skillet to ensure perfect searing without sticking or breaking the fish.
- Add heavy cream gradually to achieve your preferred sauce thickness and richness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet with sauce
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: red snapper, creole sauce, seafood, southern recipe, creamy sauce, quick dinner, healthy seafood