Seaside Snapper with Lobster Cream Sauce

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Seaside Snapper with Lobster Cream Sauce is a luxurious seafood dish that combines the delicate flavor of snapper with a rich, velvety lobster cream sauce. It’s perfect for a special dinner or when you want to bring a taste of the ocean to your table. This dish pairs beautifully with rice, pasta, or a fresh green salad.

Ingredients:

For the Snapper:

  • 4 snapper fillets (6-8 oz each)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Juice of 1 lemon

For the Lobster Cream Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 shallot, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup lobster meat, cooked and chopped
  • 1/2 cup white wine (or chicken broth)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or a pinch of cayenne pepper)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon

Instructions:

Prepare the Snapper:

  1. Season the Snapper:
    • Pat the snapper fillets dry with paper towels. Rub them with olive oil, then season with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, thyme, and oregano. Drizzle with lemon juice and set aside.
  2. Cook the Snapper:
    • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a bit of olive oil. Place the snapper fillets skin-side down (if they have skin) and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Remove the fillets from the skillet and set them aside.

Prepare the Lobster Cream Sauce:

  1. Sauté the Shallot and Garlic:
    • In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped shallot and sauté until softened, about 2-3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Add the Lobster and Deglaze:
    • Stir in the chopped lobster meat and cook for 1-2 minutes. Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) to deglaze the pan, scraping any browned bits from the bottom. Simmer until the liquid reduces by half, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Make the Cream Sauce:
    • Add the heavy cream, tomato paste, and Old Bay seasoning. Stir well to combine and simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and lemon juice to taste.
  4. Finish with Fresh Herbs:
    • Stir in the chopped parsley just before serving.

Assemble the Dish:

  1. Plate the Snapper:
    • Place the cooked snapper fillets on a serving platter or individual plates.
  2. Top with Lobster Cream Sauce:
    • Spoon the lobster cream sauce generously over the snapper fillets.
  3. Garnish:
    • Garnish with extra chopped parsley, lemon wedges, or a sprinkle of paprika for color.

Serving Suggestions:

  • Over Pasta: Serve over linguine or fettuccine for a decadent seafood pasta dish.
  • With Vegetables: Pair with steamed asparagus, green beans, or roasted broccoli for a balanced meal.
  • Alongside Rice: Serve with fluffy white rice, jasmine rice, or a wild rice blend to soak up the delicious sauce.

Variations:

  1. Swap the Fish:
    • Use other white fish like halibut, cod, or sea bass if snapper is unavailable.
  2. Add a Spicy Kick:
    • Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes or fresh chopped chilies into the sauce for some heat.
  3. Make It Lighter:
    • Replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter version.

Benefits:

  • High in Protein: Snapper and lobster are both excellent sources of lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth.
  • Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Snapper provides omega-3s that promote heart health.
  • Luxurious Dining Experience: The combination of snapper and lobster cream sauce offers a restaurant-quality meal that’s perfect for special occasions.

Tips for Perfect Seaside Snapper with Lobster Cream Sauce:

  1. Use Fresh Ingredients:
    • Fresh snapper and lobster meat will enhance the flavor of the dish.
  2. Don’t Overcook the Fish:
    • Snapper cooks quickly; be careful not to overcook it, or it may become dry.
  3. Balance the Sauce:
    • The cream sauce should be rich but not overly heavy. Adjust the consistency with a bit more wine or broth if needed.

Conclusion:

Seaside Snapper with Lobster Cream Sauce is an elegant seafood dish that captures the essence of fine dining at home. With its rich, creamy sauce and tender snapper fillets, it’s sure to impress anyone lucky enough to be at your table. Enjoy this dish with a glass of chilled white wine and a sunset view for the ultimate seaside experience!

Would you like more seafood recipes or tips for preparing seafood dishes

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