Red Snapper with Creamy Creole Sauce Recipe
Introduction
Red Snapper with Creamy Creole Sauce is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines tender fish with a rich, spiced sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, this recipe brings a taste of the South to your table with simple ingredients.

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 fresh parsley, 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
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 the flour over the vegetables and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 to 2 minutes until the mixture is lightly browned.
- Step 4: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, making sure no lumps form. Then stir in the heavy cream, Creole seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, and cayenne pepper if using.
- Step 5: Bring the sauce to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and let it cook for 5 to 7 minutes until it slightly thickens. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Step 6: Stir in butter if you choose to use it. 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 snapper and sauce immediately over cooked rice.
Tips & Variations
- For a thicker sauce, cook the flour with the vegetables a little longer before adding broth.
- Use fresh Creole seasoning for the best flavor, or adjust the spice level to your preference.
- If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
- Add chopped tomatoes to the sauce for a touch of acidity and color.
- Serve with crusty bread instead of rice to soak up the creamy sauce.
Storage
Store leftover fish and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from separating. This dish is best enjoyed fresh and may lose some creaminess when reheated.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of fish?
Yes, you can substitute red snapper with other firm white fish such as cod, grouper, or tilapia. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the fillets.
Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?
The recipe uses all-purpose flour which contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, substitute with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for thickening the sauce.
PrintRed Snapper with Creamy Creole Sauce Recipe
A flavorful and creamy Creole-inspired dish featuring tender red snapper fillets cooked in a rich, spiced sauce made from sautéed vegetables, chicken broth, and heavy cream. This comforting meal is perfect served over fluffy cooked rice for a complete and satisfying dinner.
- 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 Seasoning
- 4 6-ounce fillets 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
- 0.5 cup Onion (Chopped)
- 0.5 cup Green Bell Pepper (Chopped)
- 0.5 cup Celery (Chopped)
- 2 cloves Garlic (Minced)
- 0.25 cup Parsley (Chopped, fresh)
Sauce Base
- 0.25 cup All-purpose Flour
- 1.5 cups Chicken Broth
- 0.5 cup Heavy Cream
To Serve
- Cooked Rice (As needed)
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and celery; cook until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and continue cooking for an additional 1 minute to release its aroma without burning.
- Create Roux: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the sautéed vegetables. Cook while stirring constantly for 1 to 2 minutes until the flour turns a light golden brown to remove the raw flour taste.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring no lumps form. Stir in the heavy cream, Creole seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, and cayenne pepper if you want some heat. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
- Simmer Sauce: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 5 to 7 minutes or until the sauce slightly thickens. Season with salt and black pepper according to taste.
- Incorporate Butter and Fish: Stir in the optional butter to add richness. Gently place the red snapper fillets into the creamy Creole sauce. Cover the skillet and cook the fish for 5 to 7 minutes or until it is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in the fresh chopped parsley just before serving for a burst of color and freshness. Serve the red snapper and creamy Creole sauce over a bed of cooked rice immediately for a delicious meal.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add hot sauce to the sauce.
- Red snapper can be substituted with other firm white fish such as cod or grouper.
- If you prefer a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour or cornstarch as a thickening agent.
- Leftover sauce can be refrigerated and gently reheated; add a splash of chicken broth to loosen if it becomes too thick.
- Ensure the fish is cooked through but not overcooked to maintain a tender texture.
Keywords: Red Snapper, Creole Sauce, Seafood, Fish Recipe, Creamy Sauce, Cajun, Dinner, Stovetop Cooking

