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Red Snapper with Creamy Creole Sauce

Red Snapper with Creamy Creole Sauce

Red Snapper with Creamy Creole Sauce is a flavorful seafood dish combining tender, flaky red snapper fillets with a rich, spicy, and creamy sauce infused with authentic Creole spices. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, it offers a beautiful balance of bold flavors, smooth textures, and vibrant colors that will impress your guests and elevate your meal.

Ingredients

Fish and Seasoning

  • Red Snapper Fillets (fresh or thawed, skin-on for extra flavor and crispiness)
  • Creole Seasoning (paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, herbs, adjust to taste)

Sauce and Vegetables

  • Butter (for searing and sauce)
  • Bell Peppers (diced)
  • Onions (diced)
  • Garlic Cloves (freshly minced)
  • Tomato Paste
  • Chicken or Seafood Stock
  • Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half

Garnish

  • Fresh Parsley or Thyme (chopped)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Fish: Pat the red snapper fillets dry and season them generously with Creole seasoning on both sides, ensuring the signature Creole flavor penetrates the fish.
  2. Sear the Red Snapper: Heat butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the fillets skin-side down carefully and cook until the skin is crisp and golden brown, about 3-4 minutes. Flip the fillets and sear the other side briefly, then remove the fish from the pan.
  3. Sauté Vegetables: In the same pan, add diced bell peppers, onions, and minced garlic. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until softened and fragrant, enhancing both flavor and texture for the sauce.
  4. Build the Sauce: Stir in tomato paste and cook for about one minute. Add chicken or seafood stock, scraping any browned bits from the pan. Let the mixture simmer briefly to concentrate flavors, then stir in heavy cream. Adjust seasoning with extra Creole spices if desired.
  5. Combine and Finish Cooking: Return the red snapper fillets to the pan, nestling them gently into the creamy sauce. Cover and cook for a few minutes until the fish is cooked through and the sauce thickens slightly. Sprinkle fresh parsley or thyme on top before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh or properly thawed red snapper for the best texture and flavor.
  • Fish cooks quickly—avoid overcooking to keep it tender and flaky.
  • Adjust Creole seasoning gradually to balance the spice level without overpowering the creaminess.
  • Simmer the sauce gently to let flavors meld and prevent cream separation.
  • Serve immediately for optimal flavor and texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: Red Snapper, Creole Sauce, Seafood, Creamy Sauce, Spicy Seafood, Healthy Fish Recipe, Easy Dinner, Gluten Free