Red Snapper with Creamy Creole Sauce

Step 1: Season and Sear the Red Snapper

1. Prepare the Fish: Pat the red snapper fillets dry with a paper towel to ensure a crisp sear. Season both sides of the fillets with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat the Pan: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
3. Sear the Fillets: Place the seasoned fish fillets into the hot skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the fish is golden brown and cooked through. The fillets should easily flake with a fork when done.
4. Remove and Set Aside: Once cooked, remove the fillets from the skillet and set them aside on a plate. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top of the fillets for an extra burst of flavor.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Creole Sauce

1. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Heat over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
2. Add Tomato Paste & Spices: Stir in the tomato paste, Creole seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the spices to bloom and become aromatic.
3. Add Liquids: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth (or fish stock), stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding salt and pepper if needed.
4. Finish the Sauce: Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the fresh lemon juice. If desired, sprinkle in some fresh parsley for color and extra flavor.

Step 3: Serve the Red Snapper with Sauce

1. Plate the Fish: Place the seared red snapper fillets onto serving plates.
2. Top with Sauce: Spoon the creamy Creole sauce generously over the fish fillets. Make sure to coat the fish with a generous amount of sauce to enhance the flavor.
3. Garnish and Serve: Garnish the dish with additional fresh parsley and a wedge of lemon. Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes, such as steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.

Serving Suggestions:

• Rice: Serve with fluffy white rice, seasoned rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Vegetables: Pair with sautéed spinach, roasted Brussels sprouts, or green beans to add a fresh, savory contrast to the richness of the fish and sauce.
• Bread: For an extra indulgence, serve with a side of crusty bread to mop up the leftover sauce.

Tips for Success:

• Fish Choice: While red snapper works perfectly here, you can substitute with any firm white fish like tilapia, cod, or halibut. Make sure to adjust cooking time depending on the thickness of the fillets.
• Adjusting Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce or eliminate the cayenne pepper. You can also add a bit more paprika for depth without too much heat.
• Make Ahead: The Creole sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Simply reheat and pour over the fish just before serving.
• Creaminess: For an extra creamy sauce, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or substitute part of the cream with sour cream for a tangy kick.

Why This Dish is a Must-Try:

This Red Snapper with Creamy Creole Sauce combines the flaky, tender texture of perfectly seared fish with the bold, zesty flavors of Creole seasoning and the richness of a creamy sauce. It’s an elevated dish that’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but fancy enough for a dinner party or special occasion. The smoky, spicy sauce complements the fish beautifully, creating a harmonious and satisfying meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds.