A Taste of New Orleans: Red Snapper with Velvety Creole Sauce Recipe

Photo byAngie Bright

Few dishes can transport you to the vibrant, spice-filled streets of New Orleans quite like red snapper paired with a creamy Creole sauce. This dish perfectly blends the delicate, flaky texture of red snapper with the bold and rich flavors of Creole cuisine, offering a taste of the South that is irresistible.

Red snapper, known for its mild flavor and tender texture, is the ideal canvas for the creamy Creole sauce that accompanies it. The sauce, a delightful mix of peppers, onions, garlic, and Creole seasoning, adds depth and spice without overpowering the fish. This combination brings out the best in both elements, creating a meal that is both comforting and sophisticated.

The key to this recipe lies in its balance—while the snapper is simply seasoned with paprika and garlic powder, the sauce is where the magic happens. Heavy cream provides richness, while the Creole seasoning delivers a punch of flavor, and the chicken broth adds a savory base that ties everything together. This isn’t just about taste; it’s about texture too. The creamy sauce complements the flaky fish, and when garnished with a touch of parsley and a squeeze of lemon, the dish truly shines.

Recipe: Red Snapper with Creamy Creole Sauce

Ingredients:

For the Red Snapper:

• 4 red snapper fillets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges for serving

For the Creamy Creole Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Directions:

1. Cook the Red Snapper: Season the red snapper fillets with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Cook the fillets for 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden and flaky. Once cooked, remove the fillets from the skillet and set them aside.

2. Make the Creamy Creole Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic for 3-4 minutes, until they become soft and fragrant. Stir in the tomato paste and Creole seasoning, allowing the flavors to meld. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Finally, add the heavy cream and cook for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

3. Serve: Spoon the luscious, creamy Creole sauce over the golden red snapper fillets, then garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with a wedge of lemon for a bright, tangy finish.

This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides like steamed rice or sautéed greens, allowing the bold flavors of the fish and sauce to take center stage. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just treating yourself to a special weeknight meal, this Red Snapper with Creamy Creole Sauce will leave a lasting impression.

For your Red Snapper with Creamy Creole Sauce recipe, there are some fantastic resources that showcase different takes on this dish. Here are a few excellent sources where you can explore variations or find additional details:

1. My Home Made Recipe provides a thorough explanation of how to sear the snapper and create a creamy Creole sauce with bell peppers, onions, garlic, and a hint of tomato paste. They also offer tips on adjusting the sauce thickness and adding garnishes like parsley​(My Home Made Recipe).
2. Cook Style Eat highlights a Cajun variation with similar ingredients, adding recommendations for side dishes like dirty rice or collard greens. Their version includes detailed tips on how to achieve the perfect sear on the fish​(Cook Style Eat).
3. SideChef focuses on grilling the red snapper and pairing it with a tangy Cajun cream sauce, offering a twist on the traditional skillet preparation​(SideChef).
4. Optimal Recipes shares tips for making the sauce creamier and offers pairing suggestions like buttery mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables​(optimal recipes).

Feel free to explore these sites for further inspiration on how to prepare the dish and make it your own!