Zesty Red Snapper with Creamy Creole Sauce Recipe

Red snapper dances with vibrant Creole sauce in a culinary symphony that promises pure delight.

Fresh seafood meets bold Louisiana-inspired flavors in this mouthwatering dish.

The delicate white fish absorbs rich, spicy notes that make every bite memorable.

creamy and zesty, this sauce turns a simple fish recipe into a restaurant-worthy experience.

Home cooks can easily recreate this Southern classic with basic ingredients and simple techniques.

The combination of tender snapper and velvety sauce delivers a perfect balance of heat and comfort.

Prepare to savor a meal that transports you straight to the heart of New Orleans.

All The Essentials For Red Snapper Dinners

• Red Snapper Fillets: A delicate white fish that provides a mild, sweet flavor and tender texture for the dish.

• Chicken Broth: Adds depth and savory foundation to the creamy Creole sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a rich, smooth base for the sauce.
• Diced Tomatoes: Brings a bright, tangy element to the sauce.
• Creole Seasoning: Provides a signature spicy and complex flavor profile.

• Onions, Bell Peppers, Garlic: Contribute a classic Creole flavor base with depth and complexity.

• Salt, Pepper: Enhance the natural flavors of the fish.
• Olive Oil: Used for searing the fish and sautéing the vegetables.

• Parsley: Adds a fresh, herbal finish to the dish.

Tools For Perfect Snapper & Sauce

• Skillet: Large, heavy-bottomed pan perfect for searing fish and making creamy sauce.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for chopping onions, bell peppers, and garlic.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp blade for precise vegetable dicing and fish preparation.
• Wooden Spoon: Ideal for stirring sauce and mixing ingredients without scratching the skillet.
• Measuring Cups: Essential for accurately portioning chicken broth and heavy cream.
• Tongs: Helpful for flipping and handling delicate fish fillets during cooking.

Cooking Snapper With Rich Creole Flavors

Step 1: Sear The Fish

Sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides of red snapper fillets.

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

Carefully place fillets in the hot pan and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust and are fully cooked.

Transfer fish to a separate plate.

Step 2: Create Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, add a touch more olive oil if needed.

• Diced onions
• Bell peppers
• Minced garlic

Add diced tomatoes and cook for 2 additional minutes.

• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream
• Creole seasoning

Stir ingredients thoroughly and allow sauce to simmer for 5-7 minutes until it thickens and becomes rich.

Step 3: Finish And Plate

Gently place seared red snapper fillets back into the skillet.

Spoon creamy Creole sauce generously over the fish.

Let everything warm together for 1-2 minutes.

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top.

Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the vibrant flavors.

Tips For Creamy, Spicy Creole Sauce

• Choose bright, firm red snapper with clear eyes and no strong fishy odor for the best flavor and texture.
• Sear fish at medium-high heat to create a golden crust without overcooking, ensuring tender and moist fillets.
• Modify Creole seasoning intensity by adding more or less to match personal heat preferences without overwhelming the delicate fish.
• Simmer sauce slowly to develop rich flavors and allow it to naturally thicken, creating a smooth and creamy texture.
• Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for lighter, healthier alternative sauce options.

Seafood Swaps & Sauce Ideas

• Spicy Coconut Variation: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk for a tropical, lighter sauce. Add red chili flakes to increase heat and complement the coconut's sweetness.
• Mediterranean Herb Fish: Swap Creole seasoning with dried oregano, thyme, and basil. Use white wine instead of chicken broth for a Mediterranean-inspired sauce.
• Dairy-Free Friendly Option: Substitute heavy cream with cashew cream or almond milk. Use vegetable broth to maintain the sauce's richness while keeping it dairy-free.
• Low-Carb Seafood Alternative: Replace red snapper with halibut or cod. Skip tomatoes and use roasted red peppers to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining flavor complexity.

Plating Snapper With A Touch Of New Orleans

• Coastal Comfort Plate: Serve the red snapper with creamy Creole sauce over a bed of fluffy white rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Veggie Companion: Pair the dish with roasted asparagus or sautéed green beans for a fresh, crisp side that complements the rich, creamy fish.
• Spicy Southern Twist: Sprinkle extra Creole seasoning or add a few dashes of hot sauce for diners who love a spicy kick with their seafood.
• Bread Buddy: Serve with warm, crusty French bread or cornbread to mop up the flavorful sauce and complete the Southern-style meal.

Storing Red Snapper For Later

• Store leftover red snapper in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Separate the fish and sauce to prevent soggy texture.
• Carefully place cooled fish and sauce in freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Freeze for maximum 1 month to maintain quality and prevent freezer burn.
• Warm fish and sauce in microwave-safe dish at 50% power in 30-second intervals. Stir sauce between intervals to distribute heat evenly and prevent overcooking.
• Gently warm fish in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or cream. Add sauce gradually, stirring carefully to prevent breaking the delicate fish and preserve its original moisture.

FAQs

• What is Creole seasoning and can I make it at home?

Creole seasoning is a spice blend typically containing paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, onion powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, and thyme. You can easily make it at home by mixing these dried herbs and spices in equal proportions.

• Is red snapper a healthy fish choice?

Red snapper is an excellent protein source, low in calories, and rich in omega-3 fatty acids. It provides essential nutrients like selenium, vitamin D, and potassium, making it a nutritious seafood option.

• Can I substitute red snapper with another fish?

Yes, you can use other white fish like halibut, cod, or sea bass as alternatives. These fish have similar mild flavors and firm textures that work well with Creole sauce.

Red Snapper with Creamy Creole Sauce: Bold Seafood

• Creole seasoning and fresh ingredients create a mouthwatering taste that transforms ordinary fish into a restaurant-worthy dish.
• With just a few steps, even novice cooks can master this recipe, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests.
• Preparing this red snapper takes minimal time, delivering a luxurious seafood experience without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Minimal cleanup and streamlined cooking make this recipe a winner for busy home chefs who want delicious food without complicated techniques.

Red Snapper with Creamy Creole Sauce Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Succulent red snapper with creamy creole sauce brings Louisiana’s coastal flavors to home kitchens. Fresh seafood and bold spices combine in this classic Southern dish that invites diners to savor authentic Cajun cooking.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein and Seafood:

• 2 red snapper fillets
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1/2 cup (120 ml) diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) diced bell peppers (red or green)
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) diced onions
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce and Garnish:

• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) Creole seasoning
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) chopped parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare the fillets by generously seasoning red snapper with salt and pepper on both surfaces. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2. Carefully sear the seasoned fillets for 3-4 minutes per side, achieving a golden-brown exterior and ensuring the fish is fully cooked. Transfer the fillets to a separate plate.
3. In the same skillet, add additional olive oil if needed. Sauté diced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic until vegetables become translucent and aromatic, approximately 2-3 minutes.
4. Incorporate diced tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes to release their natural flavors. Pour in chicken broth, heavy cream, and Creole seasoning, stirring to combine.
5. Allow the sauce to simmer for 5-7 minutes, occasionally stirring, until the mixture thickens and develops a rich, creamy consistency.
6. Gently return the cooked fish fillets to the skillet, carefully spooning the creamy Creole sauce over the top. Warm the fish in the sauce for 1-2 minutes.
7. Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately while the sauce is hot and the fish remains tender.

Notes

• Select fresh, high-quality red snapper with firm, translucent flesh and a mild ocean aroma for the best flavor and texture.
• Pat fish dry before seasoning to ensure crispy, golden-brown searing and prevent steaming instead of browning.
• Use cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan to achieve even heat distribution and perfect fish crust.
• Lower cream sauce heat if it begins separating, whisking gently to maintain smooth, silky consistency.
• Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for dairy-free version or lighter alternative without compromising sauce richness.
• Add cayenne or hot sauce to increase Creole seasoning’s spiciness for those who enjoy bolder flavors.
• Substitute chicken broth with seafood stock to enhance the fish’s natural maritime profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Creole

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 42g
• Saturated Fat: 22g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 36g
• Cholesterol: 150mg