Description
Elegant seared snapper with lobster cream sauce invites gourmet seafood enthusiasts into a luxurious culinary experience. Mediterranean-inspired flavors and delicate textures promise a restaurant-quality meal you can craft at home with professional precision.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 snapper fillets (skin-on, about 6 oz / 170 g each)
- ½ cup lobster meat (cooked, chopped, fresh or thawed frozen)
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 2 tbsps olive oil
- 1 shallot (finely minced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried thyme)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauce Preparation: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat, infuse with minced garlic for one minute to release aromatic notes.
- Liquid Reduction: Pour white wine and chicken broth, simmer until liquid condenses and intensifies flavor profile.
- Cream Integration: Gradually whisk heavy cream into the skillet, stirring continuously to create a smooth, rich sauce. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until consistency thickens.
- Protein Incorporation: Gently fold lobster tail meat into the simmering sauce, allowing it to warm and absorb complex flavor nuances.
- Seasoning Enhancement: Brighten sauce with fresh lemon juice, season with salt and pepper to elevate taste dimensions. Maintain gentle warmth.
- Fish Preparation: Pat snapper fillets dry, season thoroughly with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Searing Technique: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over high temperature until pan reaches optimal searing condition.
- Cooking Process: Place snapper fillets skin-side down, apply gentle pressure to ensure uniform caramelization. Cook 4-5 minutes, then flip and continue cooking 2-3 minutes until golden and fully cooked.
- Plating Finale: Transfer seared snapper to a warm plate, cascade lobster cream sauce over fillets. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a vibrant lemon wedge.
Notes
- Moisture Management: Thoroughly dry snapper fillets with paper towels to achieve a perfect golden sear and prevent steaming instead of caramelizing.
- Heat Control: Use high heat for searing to create a crispy exterior while maintaining fish’s delicate texture, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Sauce Stability: Stir cream sauce constantly and add cream gradually to prevent curdling, ensuring a smooth, silky consistency.
- Flavor Balancing: Add lemon juice at the end to brighten the rich sauce and cut through the cream’s heaviness, enhancing overall taste profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg