Heat a bit of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and chicken broth. Mix well to dissolve the tomato paste. Add paprika, Creole seasoning, thyme, oregano, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer and let cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Nestle the fish fillets into the sauce. Cover and simmer for 8-12 minutes until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Drizzle the lemon juice over the fish, then garnish with green onions and fresh parsley.
Don’t Overcook the Fish: Fish cooks quickly and should be tender and flaky. Overcooking can make it dry and rubbery.
Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper. For extra heat, add more cayenne or a dash of hot sauce.
Simmer the Sauce First: Let the tomato-based sauce cook for a few minutes before adding the fish. This allows the flavors to meld and deepen.
Cover While Simmering: Keeping the skillet covered while cooking the fish helps it steam gently, keeping it moist and tender.
For a Thicker Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes before adding the fish, or mash some of the diced tomatoes with a spoon.
Avoid Stirring the Fish Too Much: Once the fillets are added, try not to stir them frequently, as they can break apart easily.