Blackened Red Snapper with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce | Easy Seafood Recipe

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Tender blackened red snapper topped with a silky roasted red pepper sauce makes an easy restaurant-quality dinner that's surprisingly simple to prepare at home. The smoky blackened seasoning pairs perfectly with naturally sweet grilled peppers, garlic, Parmesan, and cream for a flavorful meal that's ready in about 35 minutes.

Whether you're looking for a fresh seafood dinner or a new way to enjoy red snapper, this recipe is packed with bold flavors and is perfect served with mashed potatoes, rice, or grilled vegetables.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Easy enough for a weeknight dinner
  • Smoky, sweet, and creamy flavor combination
  • Perfect for fresh Florida snapper
  • Great for grilling or cast iron cooking
  • Ready in about 35 minutes

Ingredients

For the Blackened Snapper

  • 4 red snapper fillets (about 6 ounces each)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil 
  • 2-3 tablespoons blackening seasoning(Traeger Blackened Saskatchewan Rub is my favorite. I use it on burgers, steak, seafood and chicken because it has incredible flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • Lemon wedges, for serving

For the Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

  • 2 large red bell peppers(or an assortment or red, yellow and orange peppers)
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon onion powder
  • Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley
  • Extra Parmesan cheese
  • Lemon wedges

Equipment

Instructions

1. Roast the Peppers

Preheat your grill to 400°F.

Brush the peppers lightly with olive oil and place them directly over the heat.

Turn every few minutes until all sides are blistered and lightly charred, about 10–12 minutes.

Transfer the peppers to a bowl and cover for 10 minutes to steam.

Remove the stems and seeds, and roughly chop the peppers.

2. Season the Snapper

Pat the red snapper dry with paper towels.

Brush both sides lightly with olive oil and coat evenly with the blackening seasoning.

3. Cook the Snapper

Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.

Add butter.

Cook the snapper for 3–4 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until the fish flakes easily and reaches an internal temperature of 135°F.

Transfer to a plate and let rest while preparing the sauce.

4. Make the Red Pepper Sauce

Reduce the skillet to medium heat.

Add the butter and minced garlic and cook for about one minute.

Add the roasted peppers and cook another minute.

Transfer everything to a blender along with:

  • Heavy cream
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Smoked paprika
  • Onion powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Blend until smooth.

Return the sauce to the skillet and simmer for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.

5. Serve

Spread the roasted sweet pepper sauce onto each plate.

Top with the blackened red snapper.

Garnish with chopped parsley, additional Parmesan, and a squeeze of fresh lemon.

Serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions

This recipe pairs wonderfully with:

Tips

  • Pat the fish dry before seasoning to create the best blackened crust.
  • Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
  • Red bell peppers create the sweetest sauce, but adding orange or yellow pepper works well too.
  • If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in a splash of white wine or chicken broth.

Variations

  • Substitute grouper, mahi-mahi, or cod for the snapper.
  • Add fresh basil for a Mediterranean twist.
  • Stir spinach into the sauce just before serving.
  • Make it spicier by increasing the crushed red pepper flakes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen red snapper?

Yes. Thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning to achieve a better blackened crust.

Can I make the roasted pepper sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely. The sauce can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and gently reheated before serving.

Is this recipe spicy?

The blackening seasoning provides mild heat, but you can adjust the spice level by using less seasoning or omitting the crushed red pepper flakes.

Final Thoughts

Blackened Red Snapper with Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Sauce is an easy seafood dinner that looks elegant enough for guests but is simple enough for a weeknight meal. The smoky blackened fish paired with the naturally sweet roasted peppers creates a rich, balanced flavor that's hard to beat. If you're looking for a new way to enjoy fresh snapper, this recipe is one you'll want to make again and again.

More Saalf Life pairings:

Thanks for stopping by Saalf Life! If you enjoyed this recipe, follow along on YouTube, Instagram, and Pinterest for more recipes, reviews, and outdoor adventures.



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