Delicious Red Snapper with Creamy Creole Sauce: A Taste of Southern Comfort

Delicious Red Snapper with Creamy Creole Sauce: A Taste of Southern Comfort

Bring the vibrant flavors of the South to your kitchen with this Red Snapper with Creamy Creole Sauce. This dish combines perfectly seared red snapper fillets with a rich, creamy sauce infused with Creole spices, creating a meal that’s both indulgent and easy to prepare. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself, this recipe will transport your taste buds straight to Louisiana.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Red snapper is a mild, flaky fish that pairs beautifully with the bold, smoky flavors of Creole cuisine. The creamy sauce, made with a classic “holy trinity” of onion, bell pepper, and celery, is rich, flavorful, and just the right amount of spicy. Served over rice or alongside sautéed greens, this dish is a complete meal that feels special but requires minimal effort.

What Makes This Dish Special?

• Perfect Balance of Flavors: The Cajun seasoning on the fish and the Creole spices in the sauce deliver just the right kick of heat, balanced by the richness of the cream.
• One-Pan Wonder: Sear the fish and make the sauce in the same skillet for easy cleanup.
• Versatility: This dish pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables, making it suitable for any occasion.

How to Make Red Snapper with Creamy Creole Sauce

Ingredients

Serves 4:

For the Red Snapper Fillets:

• 4 red snapper fillets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

For the Creamy Creole Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• ½ green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chicken or seafood stock
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Creole seasoning
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Snapper:

1. Pat the red snapper fillets dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper.

2️⃣ Sear the Fish:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the snapper fillets and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.

3️⃣ Make the Creole Sauce:

1. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the onion, bell pepper, and celery, and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Sprinkle in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, to make a roux.
4. Gradually whisk in the stock, followed by the heavy cream and tomato paste.
5. Add Creole seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne (if using). Simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
6. Stir in the chopped parsley.

4️⃣ Serve:

1. Spoon the creamy Creole sauce generously over the seared red snapper fillets.
2. Serve immediately with rice, mashed potatoes, or sautéed greens for a complete meal.

Tips for Success

1. Choose Fresh Red Snapper: Fresh fillets ensure a tender, flaky texture and vibrant flavor.
2. Don’t Overcook the Fish: Snapper cooks quickly, so keep an eye on the fillets to avoid drying them out.
3. Customize the Spice Level: Adjust the cayenne pepper to your heat preference, or omit it for a milder dish.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

This Red Snapper with Creamy Creole Sauce is a show-stopping dish that’s as flavorful as it is easy to prepare. The tender, flaky fish pairs perfectly with the bold, creamy sauce, creating a restaurant-quality meal you can make in under 40 minutes. It’s perfect for everything from weeknight dinners to special occasions.