If you’re craving a dish that bursts with bold flavors and silky textures, the Red Snapper with Creamy Creole Sauce Recipe is just what your dinner table needs. This vibrant, Southern-inspired entrée features perfectly seared red snapper fillets that are tender and flaky, topped with a luscious, spiced creamy Creole sauce that combines the sweetness of bell peppers and onions with a hint of smoky paprika and a touch of heat. Every bite is a celebration of classic Creole flavors brought to life in a comforting yet sophisticated way that will have you coming back for seconds.

Red Snapper with Creamy Creole Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This dish relies on simple, fresh ingredients that each play a crucial role in crafting its signature flavor, texture, and color. From the firm, white-fleshed red snapper to the medley of aromatic vegetables and rich cream, every element is essential for making this meal unforgettable.

Red snapper fillets (4 fillets, about 6 oz each): Choose fresh, firm fillets for the best texture and taste.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Provides a healthy base to sear the fish with a beautiful golden crust.
Creole seasoning (1 teaspoon for fish + 1 teaspoon for sauce): The key spice blend that delivers the authentic Creole kick.
Salt (½ teaspoon for fish, to taste for sauce): Balances the flavors throughout the dish.
Black pepper (¼ teaspoon for fish, to taste for sauce): Adds subtle heat and depth.
Butter (1 tablespoon): Creates a rich base for sautéing the vegetables in the sauce.
Onion (½ cup, finely diced): Adds natural sweetness and a tender bite to the sauce.
Bell pepper (½ cup, red or green, finely diced): Brings vibrant color and crunch.
Celery (1 stalk, finely diced): Lends aromatic earthiness and texture.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses the sauce with fragrant warmth.
Tomato paste (1 tablespoon): Gives depth and a rich umami backbone.
Smoked paprika (½ teaspoon): Introduces a smoky layer that complements the Creole spices beautifully.
Heavy cream (½ cup): Makes the sauce luxuriously smooth and creamy.
Chicken or seafood broth (¼ cup): Adds moisture and ties all the flavors together.
Hot sauce (1 teaspoon, optional): For an extra touch of heat if you like your sauce with a kick.

How to Make Red Snapper with Creamy Creole Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Season and Sear the Snapper

Start by patting your red snapper fillets dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy sear. Sprinkle both sides generously with Creole seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then place the fillets in the pan, skin-side down if your fillets have skin. Sear for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden crust and the flesh flakes easily. Once cooked through, remove the snapper from the pan and set aside, keeping it warm.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies for the Sauce

Lower the heat to medium, then melt butter in the same skillet. Toss in the finely diced onion, bell pepper, and celery. Cook them gently for 4 to 5 minutes until they soften and release their sweetness. Add minced garlic and cook it for just 30 seconds more to unlock its fragrance without burning.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Creole Sauce

Stir in tomato paste, Creole seasoning, and smoked paprika. Let these cook together for about a minute to bring out their full flavors. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken or seafood broth, whisking everything until smooth. Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens to a velvety consistency. Add hot sauce now if you want a subtle heat boost. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Return the red snapper fillets to the skillet to gently warm through in the sauce, or serve the sauce spooned lavishly over plated fish. This step ensures each bite is perfectly coated in that creamy, spicy Creole goodness, making the dish utterly irresistible.

How to Serve Red Snapper with Creamy Creole Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkling of freshly chopped parsley or green onions brightens the dish visually and adds a fresh herbal note that complements the richness of the sauce. A lemon wedge on the side is also a fantastic addition, giving diners the option to add a splash of zest that balances all the creaminess.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs wonderfully with fluffy white rice, which soaks up every bit of the creamy Creole sauce. Mashed potatoes offer a comforting, velvety base, while sautéed greens provide a slightly bitter counterpoint that balances the meal perfectly. These sides make sure you get a complete, satisfying dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, plate the fish atop a bed of rice with a drizzle of extra sauce around the edges of the dish for an elegant look. Or, serve individual portions in shallow bowls to showcase the sauce’s rich texture and colorful veggies. Garnishing with edible flowers or microgreens can add a gourmet touch that’s sure to impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover red snapper and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The fish holds its flavor well, and the sauce stays creamy, making leftovers just as enjoyable as the fresh dish.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for this dish because cream-based sauces can separate and become grainy when thawed. If you must freeze, separate the sauce and fish and freeze only the cooked fish fillets without sauce for better texture retention.

Reheating

Reheat leftover fish gently in a skillet over low heat, spooning warm sauce on top to prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving as it can quickly overcook the delicate fish and curdle the sauce. Gently reheating preserves the lovely textures and flavors of the Red Snapper with Creamy Creole Sauce Recipe.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of fish for this recipe?

Absolutely! While red snapper is ideal for its firm texture, you can substitute other firm, white-fleshed fish like grouper, cod, or snapper varieties. Just adjust cooking times slightly based on thickness.

Is there a way to make the sauce dairy-free?

Yes, you can swap the heavy cream for coconut cream, which keeps the sauce rich and creamy without dairy. This also adds a subtle tropical twist that works surprisingly well with Creole spices.

How spicy is the Red Snapper with Creamy Creole Sauce Recipe?

The recipe offers a mild to moderate spice level, but you can customize it easily by adjusting the amount of Creole seasoning and hot sauce. Add more for a bolder kick or omit the hot sauce for a gentler flavor.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

You can prep the vegetables and season the fish ahead of time, but sear the snapper and make the sauce fresh just before serving to preserve the best textures and flavors.

What wine pairs well with this dish?

A crisp, lightly oaked Chardonnay or a citrusy Sauvignon Blanc complement the creamy sauce and delicate fish beautifully. For those who prefer red, a light Pinot Noir works nicely without overpowering the flavors.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend the Red Snapper with Creamy Creole Sauce Recipe enough when you want to wow friends or just treat yourself to something special. It’s got that perfect balance of exhilarant spices and smooth indulgence that turns simple ingredients into a memorable meal. Give it a try—you’ll fall in love with every flavorful bite and keep coming back for more.