Description
Rich, succulent snapper meets luxurious lobster cream sauce in this elegant seafood masterpiece. Delicate fish perfectly complements velvety sauce, creating a restaurant-quality dish you’ll savor with pure culinary delight.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4 snapper fillets (skin-on, about 6 ounces / 170 grams each)
- ½ cup lobster meat, cooked and chopped (fresh or thawed frozen)
Seasoning and Oils:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Sauce and Aromatics:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 shallot, finely minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Craft the luxurious lobster cream sauce by melting butter in a spacious skillet over moderate temperature. Introduce minced garlic and allow it to release its aromatic essence for approximately one minute.
- Incorporate white wine and chicken broth, letting the liquid gently simmer and reduce for several minutes, concentrating the flavor profile.
- Gradually stream heavy cream into the skillet, maintaining constant stirring to prevent potential curdling. Allow the mixture to transform into a silky, robust sauce for 3-4 minutes.
- Fold chopped lobster tail meat into the simmering sauce, permitting the delicate protein to warm and absorb the complex flavors.
- Enhance the sauce with a vibrant squeeze of fresh lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper to elevate the taste dimensions. Maintain the sauce at a gentle warmth.
- Thoroughly pat snapper fillets with paper towels to eliminate excess moisture, then season comprehensively with salt and pepper on both surfaces.
- Warm a combination of olive oil and butter in a large skillet over high heat until the pan reaches optimal temperature for searing.
- Carefully position snapper fillets skin-side down, applying gentle pressure with a spatula to ensure uniform golden caramelization. Cook for approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Reverse the fillets and continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the fish achieves a perfect golden exterior and is thoroughly cooked.
- Transfer seared snapper to a preheated serving plate, lavishly draping the lobster cream sauce over the fillets.
- Complete the presentation by scattering freshly chopped parsley and positioning a bright lemon wedge alongside the dish.
Notes
- Select fresh, high-quality snapper with clear eyes and firm flesh for the best flavor and texture.
- Pat the fish completely dry before searing to achieve a perfect golden-brown crust that locks in moisture.
- Use a cast-iron or heavy-bottom skillet to create an even, consistent heat that promotes beautiful caramelization.
- Control the sauce’s consistency by adjusting cream and cooking time – a slightly thicker sauce clings better to the fish.
- Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter, dairy-free alternative that maintains rich flavor.
- Swap lobster meat with shrimp or crab if desired, keeping the creamy sauce’s luxurious essence intact.
- Time the cooking precisely to prevent overcooking the delicate snapper, which can quickly become dry and tough.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 660
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 45 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 54 g
- Cholesterol: 160 mg