Mediterranean Red Snapper with Creamy Herb Sauce

Mediterranean Red Snapper with Creamy Herb Sauce

Mediterranean cuisine is all about fresh, bright flavors—and this Red Snapper with Creamy Herb Sauce captures that essence perfectly. Red snapper is a mild, flaky white fish that holds up beautifully to pan-searing or oven roasting. It’s paired with a luscious yet light herbed cream sauce made with garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs like dill and parsley. The result? A vibrant, elegant dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes and pairs effortlessly with veggies, rice, or a side salad.

Time Overview

Ingredients

For the Red Snapper:

2 red snapper fillets (6–8 oz each), skin-on or skinless

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon butter

Salt and pepper, to taste

½ teaspoon paprika (optional)

Lemon wedges (for serving)

For the Creamy Herb Sauce:

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small shallot or 2 tablespoons onion, finely minced

2 cloves garlic, minced

½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter option)

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for depth)

1 tablespoon lemon juice

2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley

1 tablespoon chopped dill (or basil/tarragon)

Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Red Snapper

Pat the red snapper fillets dry with paper towels.

Season both sides with salt, pepper, and optional paprika.

Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the fish skin-side down (if using skin-on) and sear for about 3–4 minutes, pressing gently with a spatula for crispness.

Flip and cook the other side for another 2–3 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.

Remove and keep warm on a plate (tent with foil if desired).

Step 2: Make the Creamy Herb Sauce

In the same pan, lower the heat to medium and add 1 tbsp olive oil.

Sauté the shallots/onion for 2–3 minutes until translucent.

Add garlic and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Pour in the cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

Stir in Dijon mustard (if using), lemon juice, and herbs.

Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Combine and Serve

Spoon the creamy herb sauce over the red snapper fillets.

Garnish with extra herbs or a lemon wedge.

Serve immediately with your favorite Mediterranean side (e.g., couscous, roasted veggies, or a Greek salad).

Tips for Success

Dry the fish well before searing to get a golden, crisp crust.

Use fresh herbs for the most aromatic, bright flavor.

Don’t overcook the fish—snapper cooks quickly and is best when still moist and flaky.

Deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine before adding cream for extra depth (optional).

Use a fish spatula to avoid breaking delicate fillets.

Variations

Grilled Version: Grill the snapper on high heat for 3–4 minutes per side and drizzle the sauce afterward.

Lighter Sauce: Use Greek yogurt or light sour cream instead of heavy cream (off heat to prevent curdling).

Different Fish: Substitute snapper with cod, halibut, sea bass, or trout.

Add greens: Stir in chopped spinach or kale into the sauce for added nutrients.

Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red chili flakes or a touch of harissa to the sauce.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen red snapper?
A: Yes, just make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.

Q: What herbs work best?
A: Dill and parsley are classic, but basil, chives, tarragon, or mint also complement the sauce beautifully.

Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: The sauce can be made a few hours in advance. Reheat gently before serving. Cook the fish fresh for best texture.

Q: What sides go well with this dish?
A: Roasted potatoes, orzo, couscous, sautéed greens, or a Mediterranean quinoa salad pair wonderfully.

Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)

Note: Nutrition may vary depending on cream and fish size.

Conclusion

This Mediterranean Red Snapper with Creamy Herb Sauce is the perfect harmony of healthy and indulgent. It showcases the simple beauty of fresh seafood, elevated with aromatic herbs and a silky, tangy cream sauce. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or an elegant weekend meal, this dish delivers refined flavors with minimal effort.