Red Snapper with Creamy Creole Sauce is a flavorful and comforting seafood dish. This Red Snapper with Creamy Creole Sauce recipe features tender, flaky fish served with a rich, spicy sauce.
The creamy Creole sauce combines tomatoes, bell peppers, onions and a touch of cream for a smooth, savory taste.
Learning how to make Red Snapper with Creamy Creole Sauce is simple and perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. This dish is vibrant, hearty, and packed with delicious flavors that everyone will enjoy.
My Experience With This Recipe
I tried this Red Snapper with Creamy Creole Sauce last weekend and it was incredible. The snapper was perfectly cooked—flaky and moist.
The creamy Creole sauce added a spicy, tangy flavor that paired beautifully with the fish. Making this recipe was easy, and the kitchen smelled amazing.
I served it with rice and a fresh salad, and everyone loved it. This dish is now one of my favorite seafood recipes for both casual dinners and special meals.
Recipe Card Info
- Recipe Name: Red Snapper with Creamy Creole Sauce
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: Creole / Seafood
- Calories: 320 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Plate for serving
Ingredients You Need for Red Snapper with Creamy Creole Sauce
- 4 red snapper fillets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 small red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients
Chop onion, red bell pepper, and garlic. Measure tomatoes, cream and spices for the Creole sauce. - Heat the Skillet
Add 2 tablespoons olive oil to a large skillet. Heat over medium heat until hot but not smoking. - Cook the Vegetables
Add chopped onion, red bell pepper and garlic. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until vegetables soften. - Add Tomatoes and Spices
Stir in diced tomatoes, paprika, cayenne and thyme. Cook for 5 minutes until sauce thickens slightly. - Add Cream
Pour 1/2 cup heavy cream into the sauce. Stir gently and simmer for 2–3 minutes. - Season the Sauce
Add salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning according to preference. - Cook the Snapper
Season red snapper fillets with salt and black pepper. Place in skillet over sauce. - Simmer the Fish
Cover and cook for 5–7 minutes until fish flakes easily with a fork. Avoid overcooking. - Check for Doneness
Ensure the snapper is opaque and fully cooked. Sauce should be creamy and slightly thick. - Serve the Dish
Transfer fish to plates and spoon creamy Creole sauce over the top. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Recipe Tips
- Use fresh red snapper for best flavor.
- Do not overcook fish to keep it tender.
- Adjust cayenne for mild or spicy flavor.
- Serve immediately for best taste and texture.
- Pair with rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 8 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
Serving Suggestions
Serve Red Snapper with Creamy Creole Sauce over steamed rice or creamy mashed potatoes. It also pairs well with a side of sautéed green beans or a fresh salad.
Add a slice of lemon for extra brightness. This dish is perfect for a family dinner, date night or special occasions. The creamy sauce adds richness, while the spices provide a flavorful kick.
Best Sides To Serve With
- Steamed white or jasmine rice
- Mashed potatoes or creamy polenta
- Sautéed green beans or asparagus
- Fresh garden salad with vinaigrette
- Crusty bread to soak up sauce
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to preserve the texture of the fish.
Avoid microwaving directly, as it may make the fish dry. Creamy sauce may thicken slightly when refrigerated; stir in a small splash of milk or cream while reheating.
Red Snapper with Creamy Creole Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 red snapper fillets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 1 small red bell pepper chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes canned or fresh
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
- Chop onion, red bell pepper, and garlic. Measure tomatoes, cream and spices for the Creole sauce.
Heat the Skillet
- Add 2 tablespoons olive oil to a large skillet. Heat over medium heat until hot but not smoking.
Cook the Vegetables
- Add chopped onion, red bell pepper and garlic. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until vegetables soften.
Add Tomatoes and Spices
- Stir in diced tomatoes, paprika, cayenne and thyme. Cook for 5 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
Add Cream
- Pour 1/2 cup heavy cream into the sauce. Stir gently and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Season the Sauce
- Add salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning according to preference.
Cook the Snapper
- Season red snapper fillets with salt and black pepper. Place in skillet over sauce.
Simmer the Fish
- Cover and cook for 5–7 minutes until fish flakes easily with a fork. Avoid overcooking.
Check for Doneness
- Ensure the snapper is opaque and fully cooked. Sauce should be creamy and slightly thick.
Serve the Dish
- Transfer fish to plates and spoon creamy Creole sauce over the top. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh red snapper for best flavor.
- Do not overcook fish to keep it tender.
- Adjust cayenne for mild or spicy flavor.
- Serve immediately for best taste and texture.
- Pair with rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
FAQs about Red Snapper with Creamy Creole Sauce
Q1: Can I use other fish instead of red snapper?
Yes, tilapia, cod, or grouper work well. Cooking times may vary slightly for different fish.
Q2: Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the Creole sauce a day ahead. Reheat gently and add fish just before serving.
Q3: Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes, increase cayenne pepper or add hot sauce to taste. Adjust according to preference.
Q4: Can I use light cream instead of heavy cream?
Yes, light cream or half-and-half works, but the sauce may be slightly less rich.
Q5: Can I freeze leftovers?
It’s not recommended to freeze cooked fish with creamy sauce, as texture may change upon thawing.
Conclusion
Red Snapper with Creamy Creole Sauce Recipe is easy, flavorful and elegant. This recipe is perfect for seafood lovers and busy weeknights.
Learning how to make Red Snapper with Creamy Creole Sauce is simple and requires minimal ingredients. The tender snapper pairs beautifully with the rich, spicy, and creamy sauce.
Serve with rice, potatoes or vegetables for a complete meal. Everyone will enjoy the bold flavors and comforting texture of this easy seafood dish. Treat yourself to this delicious Creole-inspired recipe today.
Sara Collins is a food blogger at TastyDive. She shares simple and family-friendly recipes made with everyday ingredients. Her mission is to help home cooks enjoy tasty meals without stress.
