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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Recipe Information
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
Instructions
Season the red snapper fillets with salt and black pepper. Set aside.
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.
Stir in the nopalitos and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, then reduce heat to low.
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.
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.
Pour the cilantro sauce into the skillet with the nopalitos, stirring to combine. Simmer for 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
Carefully plate the red snapper fillets and spoon the nopalitos with cilantro sauce over the top.
Serve with a side of steamed rice or warm tortillas for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1866 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 75.3 g | 97% | |
| Saturated Fat | 22.3 g | 112% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 412 mg | 137% | |
| Sodium | 3942 mg | 171% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 40.7 g | 15% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 15.4 g | 55% | |
| Total Sugars | 13.7 g | ||
| Protein | 264.0 g | 528% | |
| Vitamin D | 47.6 mcg | 238% | |
| Calcium | 1175 mg | 90% | |
| Iron | 8.7 mg | 48% | |
| Potassium | 6103 mg | 130% | |
*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.
