Easy Fish Creole

Dive into the vibrant flavors of the South with this Easy Fish Creole recipe, a perfect choice for a quick yet hearty dinner. Featuring tender white fish fillets like tilapia, cod, or snapper, simmered in a rich, tomato-based sauce infused with classic Creole seasonings, this dish is a celebration of bold spices and wholesome ingredients. Sautéed onions, green bell peppers, and celery—the “Holy Trinity” of Creole cooking—add depth and aroma, while garlic, thyme, and paprika elevate the dish with warm, savory notes. With a prep time of just 15 minutes and one skillet required, this recipe comes together effortlessly, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights or special occasions. Serve over fluffy white rice to soak up the flavorful sauce, and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and brightness. Whether you’re a fan of Cajun cuisine or exploring it for the first time, this Fish Creole promises to deliver a delicious and comforting meal in under an hour.

Nutriscore Rating: 78/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces white fish fillets (e.g., tilapia, cod, or snapper)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 14.5 ounces canned diced tomatoes (with juice)
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1.5 teaspoons Cajun or Creole seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 piece bay leaf
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 0 optional, as desired white rice, cooked (for serving)

Directions

Step 1

Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides lightly with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and celery to the skillet. Sauté the vegetables for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Stir in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, tomato paste, Cajun or Creole seasoning, paprika, thyme, bay leaf, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix well until the tomato paste is fully combined with the liquid.

Step 6

Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it cook for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.

Step 7

Nestle the seasoned fish fillets into the sauce, spooning a bit of the sauce over the top of each fillet.

Step 8

Cover the skillet with a lid and simmer gently for 8-10 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

Step 9

Remove the bay leaf, then taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 10

Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the skillet as a garnish before serving.

Step 11

Serve the Fish Creole hot over cooked white rice, if desired, and enjoy your flavorful meal!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1547 grams (1547.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	982

Total Fat 36.80g	47%
Saturated Fat 6.50g	33%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 200mg	67%
Sodium 1429mg	62%
Total Carbohydrate 73.80g	27%
Dietary Fiber 12.90g	46%
Total Sugars 22.90g
Protein 96.60g	193%

Vitamin D 480IU	2400%
Calcium 259mg	20%
Iron 7mg	41%
Potassium 3326mg	71%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 32.7%

Protein: 38.2%

Carbs: 29.1%