Description
This Red Snapper with Creamy Creole Sauce is a flavorful and elegant seafood dish that combines pan-seared red snapper fillets with a rich, creamy Creole-inspired sauce made from vegetables, spices, cream, and chicken broth. Ready in just 35 minutes, it offers a perfect balance of spices and creaminess, making it ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Fish
- 4 red snapper fillets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 small bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Creole seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup diced tomatoes (optional, for added texture and flavor)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Red Snapper: Pat the red snapper fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder to enhance the flavor.
- Cook the Red Snapper: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned fillets and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and the fish flakes easily with a fork. Remove the fillets from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Make the Creamy Creole Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium in the same skillet. Add unsalted butter and let it melt. Sauté the finely chopped onion and bell pepper for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic, Creole seasoning, and cayenne pepper if desired, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes if using, and simmer for 2-3 minutes to blend flavors. Stir in heavy cream and simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked red snapper fillets to the skillet and spoon the creamy Creole sauce over them. Warm through for 1-2 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately with your preferred side dish.
Notes
- For extra heat, cayenne pepper can be adjusted or omitted according to preference.
- Diced tomatoes add texture and flavor but are optional if you prefer a smoother sauce.
- To ensure even cooking, avoid overcrowding the skillet when searing the fish.
- This recipe pairs wonderfully with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.
- Use fresh parsley for garnish to add a pop of color and freshness.
