Fish with Creamy Tomato Crab Sauce Recipe

"This is a really nice - but, elegant sauce to serve over your favorite fish. However, this works equally as well with shrimp and scallops too. For fish (which this recipe is), it is good with salmon, tilapia, flounder, snapper, cod, halaibut, etc. It is definitely not difficult to prepare - less than 30 minutes, and it can be on the table. Asparagus and baby red potatoes are the perfect side for this elegant dinner. It does have heavy cream and crab which is a bit decadent; so, I don't think this would be your average weeknight meal. But it is a wonderful date night meal, or special meal for company. Like I said, it is very quick cooking."

Step by Step Method

Step 1

Fish ... Now, this is very flexible, in that you can use your favorite fish. But realize, that cooking times will definitely vary depending on what fish you use. For serving size - 1/2-3/4 lb is average; but, because this has a rich crab sauce, I tend to stick with 1/2 lb per person; but that is up to you. And note, you can use peeled jumbo shrimp or even sea scallops with this same recipe and it is excellent.

Step 2

Dredge ... Mix the flour, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper in a pie plate or flat dish. You don't want a heavy coating on the fish, so make sure the fish is dry; otherwise the flour will be sticky on the fish. Dredge the fish with a light coating of the flour and set to the side.

Step 3

Saute ... Add the oil to a non-stick pan (that works best for this dish) and bring to medium high heat. Sear the fish on both sides until you get a nice crust, flip and continue to cook until done. Now, the hard part is; every type of fish is going to cook differently. Snapper, flounder, tilapia will cook the quickest (3-4 minutes per side); grouper and salmon a bit longer but still easily cooked on the stove top (5-7 minutes per side). If using halibut or cod, you can sear them on the stove top, but they should be finished in the oven due to their thickness. I suggest using a fish you are familiar with cooking. This can take anywhere from 8-20 minutes depending on the type of fish you decide to use. Again, these cooking times are approximate. Once the fish is cooked; set off to the side and cover with foil to keep warm.

Step 4

Sauce ... While the fish rests, and you get the rest of dinner ready, make the sauce. To the same pan you cooked the fish in - return it to the stove top on medium heat. Add the cherry tomatoes, a pinch of salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper and cook just 3-4 minutes. Then deglaze with the white wine and cook another minute to let the wine reduce a bit. Next, reduce to medium - medium low heat and add the cream and and simmer 5 minutes until the cream slightly thickens.

Step 5

Crab ... Once the sauce has reduced, add the crab and some of the basil leaves. Stir to combine and cook just a minute to heat up the crab. Season with salt and pepper if necessary.