Red Snapper and Nopalitos in Cilantro Sauce
Elevate your dinner table with the vibrant flavors of Red Snapper and Nopalitos in Cilantro Sauce, a dish that combines tender, pan-seared snapper with the tangy, earthy taste of nopalitos (cactus paddles) in a creamy, aromatic cilantro-lime sauce. This Mexican-inspired recipe is a perfect harmony of bold ingredients like fresh jalapeño, zesty lime, and fragrant garlic, making every bite a vibrant celebration of flavor. With easy-to-follow steps and a quick cook time, this dish is ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Pair it with warm tortillas or steamed rice for a satisfying, restaurant-worthy meal bursting with fresh, herbaceous notes. Perfect for seafood lovers and fans of Latin cuisine, this recipe brings a gourmet twist to your kitchen.
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Ingredients
- 4 fillets red snapper fillets
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium white onion, diced
- 2 cups nopalitos (cactus paddles), rinsed and diced
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 bunch fresh cilantro
- 1 lime lime, juiced
- 1 pepper jalapeño, seeded and chopped
- 0.25 cup heavy cream
Directions
Step 1
Season the red snapper fillets with salt and black pepper. Set aside.
Step 2
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and onion, cooking until fragrant and translucent, about 3 minutes.
Step 3
Stir in the nopalitos and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 4
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, then reduce heat to low.
Step 5
While the nopalitos are cooking, prepare the cilantro sauce. In a blender, combine the fresh cilantro leaves (discard thick stems), lime juice, jalapeño, and heavy cream. Blend until smooth.
Step 6
Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in another skillet over medium-high heat. Add the red snapper fillets, cooking each side for 3-4 minutes until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Step 7
Pour the cilantro sauce into the skillet with the nopalitos, stirring to combine. Simmer for 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
Step 8
Carefully plate the red snapper fillets and spoon the nopalitos with cilantro sauce over the top.
Step 9
Serve with a side of steamed rice or warm tortillas for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (2031.7g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1866.1 |
| Total Fat 75.3g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 22.3g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g | |
| Cholesterol 412.4mg | 0% |
| Sodium 3942.0mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 40.7g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 15.4g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 13.7g | |
| Protein 264.0g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 1904.8IU | 0% |
| Calcium 1175.0mg | 0% |
| Iron 8.7mg | 0% |
| Potassium 6103.1mg | 0% |
Source of Calories