Fish recipes

Creole

Creole Red Snapper

Red snapper simmered in a Creole holy-trinity tomato sauce.

45 minServes 4
Creole Red Snapper

The Creole holy trinity — onion, bell pepper, and celery — builds the base for a tomato sauce that perfectly suits red snapper.

Ingredients

  • 4 red snapper fillets
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • ½ cup seafood or chicken broth
  • 2 tsp Creole seasoning
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper
  • Green onions and parsley

Method

  1. 1

    Season snapper lightly with Creole seasoning.

  2. 2

    Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear snapper for approximately 2 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

  3. 3

    Reduce heat to medium and add remaining oil and butter.

  4. 4

    Add onion, bell pepper, and celery—the classic Creole holy trinity—and sauté for 5–6 minutes.

  5. 5

    Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

  6. 6

    Stir in tomatoes, broth, Creole seasoning, paprika, thyme, Worcestershire, and bay leaf.

  7. 7

    Simmer uncovered for approximately 10 minutes so the flavors develop and the sauce thickens slightly.

  8. 8

    Nestle the snapper into the sauce. Cover and gently simmer for another 5–8 minutes, depending on thickness, until cooked through.

  9. 9

    Discard the bay leaf and finish with green onions and parsley. Serve over rice.