I’m beyond thrilled to share this recipe with you because it’s a true seaside gem! Imagine succulent snapper fillets paired with a luscious lobster cream sauce – rich, buttery, and bursting with flavor. I promise you, this dish is nothing short of spectacular and surprisingly easy to make! Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner or treating yourself to something special, this one’s a winner.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: Ready in just 25 minutes, this dish is perfect for a weeknight treat or an impressive dinner-party centerpiece.
- Versatile: If you don’t have lobster on hand, shrimp or crab work wonderfully too!
- Beautiful presentation: Just look at it – the golden-brown snapper fillets drenched in that dreamy sauce! It’s a showstopper every time.
The Taste of Seaside Elegance
The delicate, flaky texture of the snapper pairs beautifully with the luxurious richness of the lobster cream sauce. Each bite bursts with buttery garlic notes, balanced by the brightness of lemon juice, while the Parmesan lends a savory touch that complements the tender lobster pieces.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 snapper fillets – Mild, tender, and perfectly suited for absorbing the rich sauce.
- 2 tbsp olive oil – For that perfect sear on the snapper.
- Salt and pepper – Simple seasoning goes a long way.
- 1/2 cup lobster meat, cooked and chopped – Adds that lavish, seafood touch.
- 2 tbsp butter – Butter is essential for creating that velvety sauce texture.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – For depth and a fragrant base.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream – Makes the sauce rich and creamy.
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated – Adds a nutty, salty richness.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice – To brighten up the sauce with a zesty finish.
- Fresh parsley, chopped – For garnish and a touch of freshness.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet
- Spatula
- Garlic press (or mince by hand)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredient Substitutions and Additions
- Lobster substitutions: Feel free to use shrimp, crab, or even scallops if lobster isn’t available.
- Herbs: You could add a bit of fresh dill or thyme for extra flavor complexity.
How to Make Seaside Snapper with Lobster Cream Sauce
1. Cook the Snapper
Season the snapper fillets with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, cook the fillets for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Transfer them to a plate and set aside.
2. Prepare the Lobster Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Make the Creamy Lobster Sauce
Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, cooking until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes. Add the cooked lobster meat and lemon juice, stirring until everything is heated through and well combined. The sauce will be silky and irresistible by now!
4. Combine and Serve
Pour the rich lobster cream sauce over the cooked snapper fillets. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for that pop of color and extra freshness.
5. Serve Immediately
Serve the snapper with steamed vegetables, roasted potatoes, or a side of creamy mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Expert Tips for the Perfect Snapper
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet: When searing the snapper, make sure there’s enough space between the fillets to ensure they crisp up nicely. Overcrowding will cause steaming instead of searing.
- Adjust the creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can reduce the amount of heavy cream slightly or use half-and-half as a substitute.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the sauce from breaking.
- Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing this dish as the cream sauce may separate when thawed.
FAQs
Can I use frozen snapper for this recipe?
Yes, just make sure to thaw the fillets completely and pat them dry before cooking to ensure a nice sear.
What other fish can I use?
Other firm white fish like halibut, cod, or sea bass would also work well in this recipe.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the sauce a few hours ahead and reheat it gently. However, I recommend cooking the snapper just before serving to keep it fresh and tender.
In Conclusion
This Seaside Snapper with Lobster Cream Sauce is an elegant dish that feels restaurant-worthy but is simple enough to make at home. It’s packed with flavor, full of creamy decadence, and perfect for seafood lovers or anyone looking to indulge a little. Give this recipe a try, and I promise you’ll be coming back for seconds!
Want to try more seafood dishes? Check out these luxuriously simple lobster recipes here, or dive into this indulgent Cajun Lobster Crab and Salmon Alfredo recipe. You’ll also love these Creamy Garlic Butter Lobster Tails here!
Don’t forget to leave a review or share your dish on Pinterest – I love seeing your creations!
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 38g
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 1g
Seaside Snapper with Lobster Cream Sauce
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Seaside Snapper with Lobster Cream Sauce is a luxurious yet simple seafood dish that combines perfectly seared snapper with a rich, buttery lobster cream sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. With flavors of garlic, Parmesan, and fresh lemon, it’s a true seaside-inspired treat! Serve it with mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 4 snapper fillets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup lobster meat, cooked and chopped
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Snapper: Season the snapper fillets with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the fillets for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
- Prepare the Lobster Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan, cooking until the sauce thickens. Add chopped lobster meat and lemon juice, cooking for 2-3 minutes.
- Combine: Pour the lobster cream sauce over the snapper fillets. Garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve: Serve immediately with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables.
Notes
- Substitutions: You can replace lobster with shrimp or crab for a more affordable option.
- Make Ahead: The lobster sauce can be prepared in advance and reheated gently before serving.
- Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat to avoid sauce separation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Seafood
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet with sauce
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: Seaside Snapper with Lobster Cream Sauce, lobster sauce recipe, seafood dinner, snapper fillet recipe