Seafood Sauce Picante
A spicy, flavorful seafood sauce with garlic, onions, parsley, and a tomato base, perfect for seafood lovers seeking a bold, aromatic dish served over rice.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sauté garlic, onions, and green onions in oil until fragrant and tender.
- Add tomato paste and cook for a few minutes.
- Add a dash of sugar and bring to a boil.
- Add catfish fillets, shrimp, and optional crabs; season with black pepper, salt, and red pepper.
- Reduce heat and let simmer for 30 to 45 minutes.
- If the sauce is too watery, dissolve 1 tablespoon of flour in water and stir into the sauce to thicken.
- Serve hot over rice.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine while sautéing the aromatics. For a vegetarian alternative, you can replace seafood with hearty vegetables like zucchini and mushrooms. If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the amount of red pepper or substitute with paprika. Pair this dish with a side of crusty bread for dipping.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Seafood Sauce Picante hot over fluffy rice, which absorbs the rich flavors beautifully. It also pairs wonderfully with a fresh side salad or crusty bread. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with a light and refreshing Creole Shrimp Salad to balance the richness of the sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat to prevent the seafood from becoming tough. You can also add a little water or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Seafood Sauce Picante contains roughly 316 calories, with 17g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (158% of the Daily Value), protein (35% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 786mg per serving (34% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen seafood for this recipe?
Yes, frozen seafood works well in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw it completely before cooking to ensure even cooking. Adjust the cooking time slightly if using larger pieces of seafood.
What can I use instead of tomato paste?
If you don't have tomato paste, you can use crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce as a substitute. You may need to adjust the cooking time to reduce the liquid, as these alternatives are less concentrated than paste.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the heat, add more red pepper or include diced fresh chilies when sautéing the vegetables. You can also serve with a side of hot sauce on the table for those who enjoy an extra kick.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).