There’s something magical about cooking with fresh fish, don’t you think? The moment you bring home a beautiful red snapper, you can just envision the flavors dancing together! Creole cuisine holds a special place in my heart—it’s vibrant, full of life, and packs a punch with spices that make every bite an adventure. My Red Snapper Creole Sauce is a delightful way to celebrate this culinary tradition. It features tender red snapper fillets topped with a rich, spicy sauce that’s incredibly easy to whip up. Trust me, it’s a flavorful dish that will impress your family and friends without spending all day in the kitchen. Get ready to savor every mouthful!
Ingredients List
- 2 red snapper fillets – Fresh and firm, these fillets are the star of the dish, providing a mild flavor that pairs beautifully with the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – This will help sauté the vegetables and add a lovely richness to the dish.
- 1 onion, chopped – A medium onion, finely chopped, will add sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic, minced, brings an aromatic punch that you can’t resist!
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped – Chopped into bite-sized pieces, this adds a crunchy texture and fresh flavor.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes – Use a can of diced tomatoes for convenience; the juices will create a saucy base.
- 1 tablespoon creole seasoning – This is where the magic happens! A tablespoon of your favorite creole seasoning gives the dish its signature kick.
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper – Adjust this to your spice preference; it adds a delightful heat!
- 1 cup chicken broth – Low-sodium chicken broth works best to keep flavors balanced without overwhelming the dish.
- Salt to taste – Just a pinch to enhance all the wonderful flavors.
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish – A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top adds a burst of color and brightness.
How to Prepare Red Snapper Creole Sauce
Now let’s dive into the steps for making this incredible Red Snapper Creole Sauce! It’s super straightforward, and I promise you’ll be savoring every bite before you know it. Just follow along, and you’ll be a Creole cooking champion in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You want it hot but not smoking—just enough to get things sizzling!
- Once the oil is shimmering, toss in the chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped green bell pepper. Sauté these fragrant veggies for about 5 minutes until they’re soft and the onion looks translucent. Wow, the smell is already divine!
- Next, stir in the can of diced tomatoes along with the creole seasoning and cayenne pepper. This is where the flavor really starts to bloom! Let it cook for another 2–3 minutes to combine all those delicious flavors.
- Now, pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble away for about 10 minutes. This will thicken the sauce and deepen the flavor—trust me, you won’t want to skip this step!
- While the sauce is simmering, season your red snapper fillets with a pinch of salt on both sides.
- Carefully place the seasoned fillets into the simmering sauce. Cook them for about 5–7 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. You’ll love how the sauce clings to the fish!
- Once done, remove it from the heat and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Serve it up, and get ready to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for weeknight dinners!
- Packed with bold flavors from the creole spices.
- Healthy option with fresh ingredients and low fat.
- Versatile dish that pairs beautifully with rice or bread.
- Impressive enough for entertaining family and friends!
Tips for Success
To ensure your Red Snapper Creole Sauce comes out absolutely perfect, here are a few of my go-to tips! First, don’t be shy with the seasoning—taste as you go! If you prefer a spicier kick, feel free to add more cayenne or even a dash of hot sauce. Just remember, it’s easier to add spice than to take it away!
When cooking the fish, keep an eye on it; every stovetop is a little different, and you don’t want to overcook the snapper. It should be flaky but still moist. If you can’t find red snapper, tilapia or cod work great as substitutes. And if you’re really short on time, pre-chopped veggies can save you a few precious minutes in the kitchen!
Finally, don’t forget the fresh parsley—it adds a lovely brightness that really elevates the dish!
Nutritional Information
As much as I love sharing delicious recipes, I have to remind you that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. So, while I can give you a general idea, it’s always a good idea to check your labels for exact numbers!
For a serving size of one red snapper fillet with sauce, you can expect approximately:
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fiber: 3g
Remember, these values are just estimates, so feel free to adjust based on your ingredients. Enjoy cooking and savoring this delightful dish!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving your Red Snapper Creole Sauce, I love to pair it with fluffy white rice—it absorbs all that delicious sauce perfectly! Alternatively, a crusty piece of bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop. You could also serve it alongside a fresh green salad for a light and refreshing contrast. Whatever you choose, you’re in for a treat!
FAQ Section
Can I store leftovers of the Red Snapper Creole Sauce?
Absolutely! Just store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if it seems a little thick.
What if I can’t find red snapper?
No worries! You can easily substitute with other firm white fish like tilapia or cod. They’ll soak up the flavors of the creole sauce just as beautifully!
How can I adjust the spice level?
If you prefer a milder dish, simply reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or creole seasoning. You can always start with a little less and add more as you go, tasting along the way. Trust me, it’s all about finding that perfect balance!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the creole sauce in advance and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat the sauce, then add the fish and cook as directed. This way, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to go with minimal effort!
What’s a good side dish to serve with it?
Besides rice or crusty bread, a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs wonderfully! It adds a nice crunch and contrast to the rich flavors of the Red Snapper Creole Sauce.
Red Snapper Creole Sauce: 7 Bold Flavors to Savor
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A flavorful dish featuring red snapper topped with a rich, spicy creole sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 red snapper fillets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon creole seasoning
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté until soft.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, creole seasoning, and cayenne pepper.
- Add chicken broth and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Season red snapper fillets with salt.
- Place fillets in the sauce and cook for 5-7 minutes, until fish is cooked through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Serve with rice or crusty bread.
- Adjust spice levels to your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Creole
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet with sauce
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Red Snapper Creole Sauce