Red Snapper with Creamy Creole Sauce Recipe
This Red Snapper with Creamy Creole Sauce is a flavorful and comforting dish that brings the zest of Creole spices to tender fish fillets. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, it’s served best over fluffy cooked rice to soak up the rich, creamy sauce.

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 onion, bell pepper, and celery; cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Step 2: Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Step 3: Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes until lightly browned.
- Step 4: Gradually whisk in chicken broth, ensuring no lumps form. Stir in heavy cream, Creole seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, and cayenne pepper if using.
- Step 5: Bring to a simmer; reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce slightly thickens. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Step 6: Stir in butter if using. Gently place red snapper fillets into the sauce. Cover and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Step 7: Stir in chopped parsley. Serve immediately over cooked rice.
Tips & Variations
- Use skin-on fillets to help keep the fish intact during cooking.
- For a spicier kick, increase the cayenne pepper slightly or add hot sauce to the sauce.
- Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor or to make it pescatarian-friendly.
- Try serving with creamy mashed potatoes instead of rice for a hearty alternative.
Storage
Store leftover red snapper with sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a covered skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking the fish. The sauce may thicken when chilled; stir in a splash of cream or broth when reheating if needed.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of fish?
Yes, firm white fish like cod, haddock, or tilapia can be used as a substitute. Adjust cooking times as these fish may cook faster or slower than red snapper.
Is the creole seasoning spicy?
Creole seasoning typically includes a mix of spices like paprika, garlic, and cayenne, giving it a mild to moderate heat and lots of flavor. You can adjust the amount to suit your spice preference or use a mild Cajun seasoning instead.
PrintRed Snapper with Creamy Creole Sauce Recipe
This Red Snapper with Creamy Creole Sauce is a flavorful and comforting dish featuring tender red snapper fillets cooked gently in a rich, creamy Creole sauce made with fresh vegetables, spices, and a touch of heat from cayenne pepper. Served over cooked rice, it’s a delightful combination of Southern-inspired flavors perfect for any dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Creole
Ingredients
Fish Fillets
- 4 6-ounce Red Snapper Fillets (Skin on or off)
Sauce & Vegetables
- 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
- 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)
To Serve
- Cooked Rice (As needed)
- 0.25 cup Parsley (Chopped, fresh)
Instructions
- Prepare Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion, green bell pepper, and celery. Cook these vegetables until they soften, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- Make Roux: Sprinkle all-purpose flour over the cooked vegetables, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes. This cooks off the raw flour taste and lightly browns the mixture to build flavor.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Gradually whisk in chicken broth to the vegetable-flour mixture, ensuring there are no lumps. Then stir in the heavy cream, creole seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, and cayenne pepper if desired. This forms the creamy Creole sauce base.
- Simmer Sauce: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it slightly thickens. Season with salt and black pepper according to taste.
- Finish Sauce and Cook Fish: Optionally stir in butter for added richness. Carefully place the red snapper fillets into the sauce. Cover the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Add Fresh Herbs and Serve: Stir chopped fresh parsley into the sauce just before serving. Serve the fish and creamy Creole sauce immediately over a bed of cooked rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- Using skin-on snapper fillets can help hold the fish together better while cooking.
- If you prefer a spicier sauce, increase the cayenne pepper or add a pinch of hot sauce.
- Substitute chicken broth with fish stock or vegetable broth for a different flavor profile.
- To keep the fish from overcooking, check for doneness after 5 minutes and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or a green salad to add a fresh contrast to the creamy sauce.
Keywords: Red Snapper, Creole Sauce, Seafood Recipe, Creamy Sauce, Southern Cooking, Fish Fillets, Easy Dinner

