Red Snapper with Creamy Creole Sauce Recipe
Introduction
This Red Snapper with Creamy Creole Sauce is a flavorful seafood dish that balances spicy, savory, and creamy elements perfectly. It’s an easy recipe that brings vibrant Creole flavors to your table in under an hour.

Ingredients
- 4 6-ounce Red Snapper Fillets (skin on or off)
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 0.5 cup Onion (chopped)
- 0.5 cup Green Bell Pepper (chopped)
- 0.5 cup Celery (chopped)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 0.25 cup All-purpose Flour
- 1.5 cups Chicken Broth
- 0.5 cup Heavy Cream
- 0.25 cup Parsley (fresh, chopped)
- 1 tablespoon Creole Seasoning (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
- 0.5 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (optional)
- Salt (to taste)
- Black Pepper (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons Butter (optional)
- Cooked Rice (for serving, as needed)
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery; cook until softened, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Step 2: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Step 3: Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 to 2 minutes until the flour is lightly browned.
- Step 4: Gradually whisk in chicken broth, making sure no lumps form. Then stir in heavy cream, Creole seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, and cayenne pepper if using.
- Step 5: Bring the mixture to a simmer, reduce heat to low, and let it cook for 5 to 7 minutes until slightly thickened. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Step 6: Stir in butter if desired for extra richness. Gently place the red snapper fillets into the sauce. Cover and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Step 7: Stir in fresh parsley just before serving. Serve the fillets with the creamy Creole sauce over cooked rice.
Tips & Variations
- For a milder sauce, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper. Alternatively, add a dash of hot sauce for more heat.
- You can substitute red snapper with other firm white fish like cod or grouper.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to better control the saltiness of the sauce.
- For a dairy-free version, replace heavy cream and butter with coconut milk and olive oil respectively.
Storage
Store leftover red snapper and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the sauce from breaking. It’s best to reheat with a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen red snapper fillets for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen fillets; just be sure to thaw them fully in the refrigerator before cooking to ensure even cooking and best texture.
What can I serve with Red Snapper and Creamy Creole Sauce?
This dish pairs wonderfully with cooked rice, but you can also serve it alongside mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
PrintRed Snapper with Creamy Creole Sauce Recipe
This classic Red Snapper with Creamy Creole Sauce recipe features tender red snapper fillets simmered in a rich, flavorful Creole sauce made with aromatic vegetables, cream, and spices. Served over fluffy cooked rice, this dish offers a delightful blend of Southern and Cajun flavors, perfect for an elegant yet comforting meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Creole
Ingredients
Fish and Seasonings
- 4 6-ounce Red Snapper Fillets (Skin on or off)
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 tablespoon Creole Seasoning (Or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
- 0.5 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (Optional)
- Salt to taste
- Black Pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons Butter (Optional)
Vegetables and Sauce
- 0.5 cup Onion (Chopped)
- 0.5 cup Green Bell Pepper (Chopped)
- 0.5 cup Celery (Chopped)
- 2 cloves Garlic (Minced)
- 0.25 cup All-purpose Flour
- 1.5 cups Chicken Broth
- 0.5 cup Heavy Cream
- 0.25 cup Parsley (Chopped, fresh)
Serving
- Cooked Rice (As needed for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and celery. Cook these vegetables, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and tender, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute to release its aroma without burning.
- Create Roux Base: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the cooked vegetables. Cook while stirring constantly for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the flour to lightly brown but not burn, which will help thicken the sauce.
- Incorporate Liquids and Seasonings: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring the mixture remains smooth without lumps. Follow by stirring in heavy cream, Creole seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, and optional cayenne pepper. Mix well to combine all flavors.
- Simmer Sauce: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Allow it to simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until it thickens slightly. Season to taste with salt and black pepper.
- Add Butter and Fish: Stir in the butter if using, which will enrich the sauce. Carefully place the red snapper fillets into the sauce, spooning some sauce over the fillets. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for another 5 to 7 minutes, or until the fish is opaque, flakes easily, and is cooked through.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley for brightness. Serve the creamy Creole sauced red snapper immediately over cooked rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can use skin-on or skinless red snapper fillets based on preference.
- Cayenne pepper is optional and can be adjusted for desired heat level.
- Butter adds richness but can be omitted or substituted with olive oil for a lighter sauce.
- Ensure the sauce simmers gently to prevent curdling of the cream.
- Serve with cooked white or brown rice, or a side of crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Keywords: Red Snapper, Creole Sauce, Creamy Fish Recipe, Cajun, Southern Cooking, Seafood Dinner, Easy Fish Recipe, One Pan Meal

