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Red Snapper Creole Sauce

Featured in Fish Made Simple.

This Red Snapper with Creole Sauce combines perfectly seared fish with a rich, creamy Cajun-spiced sauce. The dish starts with golden-brown red snapper fillets, then builds a flavorful sauce using fresh vegetables, heavy cream, and authentic Creole seasoning. What makes this recipe special is how the delicate fish pairs with the bold, spicy cream sauce, creating a perfect balance of flavors. The sauce, made with sautéed bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes in a creamy base, adds both color and complexity to the dish. It's an elegant yet easy-to-make meal that's both low-carb and gluten-free, perfect for special occasions or when you want to elevate your weeknight dinner.
Soo Ben
Updated on Thu, 23 Jan 2025 01:15:00 GMT
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Red Snapper with Creamy Creole Sauce | mamamiakitchen.com

Red snapper transforms into an elegant restaurant-worthy dish when paired with a velvety Creole sauce. The delicate fish gets a golden sear before being bathed in a sauce that brings together the holy trinity of Creole cooking - onions, celery, and bell peppers - finished with cream and bold seasonings.

My first attempt at this recipe was for a dinner party, and the way the sauce clung to each perfectly flaky bite had my guests convinced I'd taken culinary classes. Now it's my go-to when I want to make something special without spending hours in the kitchen.

Essential Ingredients and Selection

  • Red snapper: Look for clear eyes and firm flesh - the fresher the better
  • Bell peppers & onions: Fresh, crisp vegetables create the foundation
  • Heavy cream: Full-fat only - it creates the silkiest sauce
  • Creole seasoning: Start with less, you can always add more
  • Fresh herbs: Choose bright, unwilted parsley for garnish

Detailed Cooking Steps

Perfect Fish Preparation

  • Pat fillets completely dry - moisture prevents browning
  • Season generously with salt and pepper
  • Heat pan until oil shimmers
  • Place fish presentation side down first
  • Don't touch for 3-4 minutes until golden
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Homemade Red Snapper with Creamy Creole Sauce | mamamiakitchen.com

Build the Sauce Base

  • Sauté vegetables until just tender
  • Add garlic at the last minute
  • Let tomatoes cook down slightly
  • Deglaze with broth, scraping up browned bits
  • Add cream gradually while stirring

Final Assembly

  • Return fish to pan gently
  • Spoon sauce over each fillet
  • Let warm through without overcooking
  • Add fresh herbs just before serving
  • Plate immediately while hot

I've learned that this sauce is incredibly versatile - sometimes I make extra just to serve over rice or vegetables the next day. The rich, creamy texture with that hint of heat has become a favorite with my family.

Perfect Pairing Suggestions

Simple sides work best - steamed rice soaks up the sauce beautifully while roasted asparagus adds color and crunch. Keep accompaniments light to let the fish shine.

Make-Ahead Strategy

While the fish should be cooked just before serving, the sauce base can be prepared earlier. Having everything mise en place makes dinner assembly quick and stress-free.

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Easy Red Snapper with Creamy Creole Sauce | mamamiakitchen.com

Years of making this dish have taught me that patience is key - from letting the pan get properly hot to giving the sauce time to reduce. When each step is done with care, you create a meal that rivals any restaurant version while maintaining the heart of traditional Creole cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of fish?
Yes, any firm white fish like grouper, halibut, or sea bass works well in this recipe.
→ How spicy is this dish?
The spice level depends on your Creole seasoning. Start with less and add more to taste.
→ Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, make the sauce up to a day ahead and reheat before adding the freshly cooked fish.
→ What can I serve with this dish?
Rice, cauliflower rice, or roasted vegetables make great sides while keeping it low-carb.
→ How do I know when the fish is done?
The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork, typically 3-4 minutes per side.

Red Snapper with Creole Sauce

Perfectly seared red snapper fillets in a creamy, spiced Creole sauce with bell peppers and tomatoes.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes
By: Sou

Category: Seafood

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 2 Servings

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Fish

01 2 red snapper fillets
02 Salt and pepper to taste
03 1 tablespoon olive oil

→ Vegetables

04 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
05 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (red or green)
06 1/4 cup diced onions
07 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Sauce

08 1 cup heavy cream
09 1/2 cup chicken broth
10 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning
11 1 tablespoon chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

Step 01

Season the red snapper fillets with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the fillets for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 02

In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed. Sauté onions, bell peppers, and garlic until softened. Add tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes. Add chicken broth, heavy cream, and Creole seasoning. Simmer 5-7 minutes until thickened.

Step 03

Return fish to skillet, spoon sauce over top. Warm through for 1-2 minutes. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Notes

  1. Perfect low-carb and gluten-free main dish
  2. Sauce can be made spicier by adjusting Creole seasoning

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Sharp knife and cutting board

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (heavy cream)
  • Contains fish