5 Great Grouper Recipes for Your Next Feast
There’s something truly special about a freshly caught grouper.
With its firm, moist texture and mildly sweet flavor, this versatile fish lends itself to a wide variety of cooking methods and dishes.
Maybe you’ve just returned from a successful fishing trip in the Gulf of Mexico, or the Florida Keys, or picked up a beautiful fillet from your local market.
Armed with these five grouper recipes are sure to tantalize your taste buds and impress your guests.
Let the cooking begin!
1. Grilled Grouper with Mango Salsa
There’s nothing quite like the taste of fresh grouper grilled to perfection. This recipe combines the smoky flavor of the grill with the sweetness of a fresh mango salsa, creating a delightful balance that’s perfect for a summer evening.
Ingredients:
• 4 grouper fillets (6-8 ounces each)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 ripe mangoes, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Juice of 2 limes
• Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Grouper: Rinse the grouper fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Brush both sides of the fillets with olive oil, then season them with sea salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
2. Heat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Make sure the grates are clean and well-oiled to prevent the fish from sticking.
3. Grill the Grouper: Place the grouper fillets on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Be careful not to overcook the fish, as grouper can become dry if left on the grill for too long.
4. Make the Mango Salsa: While the fish is grilling, combine the diced mangoes, red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well and let the flavors meld together.
5. Serve: Place the grilled grouper fillets on a serving platter and top with a generous spoonful of mango salsa. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side. This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine and a light salad.
2. Pan-Seared Grouper with Lemon Butter Sauce
For a quick and elegant meal, try this pan-seared grouper recipe with a rich and tangy lemon butter sauce. It’s a restaurant-quality dish that you can easily make at home.
Ingredients:
• 4 grouper fillets (6-8 ounces each)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup dry white wine
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Grouper: Rinse the grouper fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Season both sides with sea salt and black pepper. Dredge the fillets in flour, shaking off any excess.
2. Heat the Pan: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the grouper fillets to the pan.
3. Pan-Sear the Grouper: Cook the fillets for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the fillets from the pan and set them aside on a plate.
4. Make the Lemon Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, add the butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, or until the garlic is fragrant. Pour in the white wine and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until slightly reduced.
5. Serve: Return the grouper fillets to the skillet, spooning the lemon butter sauce over the top. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately. This dish pairs beautifully with steamed vegetables and a side of rice or mashed potatoes.
3. Baked Grouper with Herbs and Tomatoes
This baked grouper recipe is simple yet full of flavor. The combination of fresh herbs and juicy tomatoes creates a delicious, aromatic dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
• 4 grouper fillets (6-8 ounces each)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the Grouper: Rinse the grouper fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Brush both sides with olive oil and season with sea salt, black pepper, oregano, and thyme.
3. Assemble the Dish: Place the grouper fillets in a baking dish. Sprinkle the minced garlic over the fillets, then scatter the cherry tomatoes around the fish. Drizzle with a little more olive oil and lemon juice.
4. Bake the Grouper: Bake the fillets for about 15-20 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The tomatoes should be soft and slightly caramelized.
5. Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle with fresh basil and parsley. Serve immediately with crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices. This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp salad and a glass of Sauvignon Blanc.
4. Grouper Tacos with Cabbage Slaw
For a fun and flavorful meal, try making grouper tacos. These tacos are loaded with fresh ingredients and topped with a zesty cabbage slaw, making them a hit at any gathering.
Ingredients:
• 4 grouper fillets (6-8 ounces each)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 8 small corn tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cabbage
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Grouper: Rinse the grouper fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Brush both sides with olive oil and season with sea salt, black pepper, chili powder, cumin, paprika, and garlic powder.
2. Cook the Grouper: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the grouper fillets and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Remove from the skillet and let rest for a few minutes.
3. Make the Cabbage Slaw: In a bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, and cilantro. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss to coat.
4. Assemble the Tacos: Warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave. Flake the grouper fillets into bite-sized pieces. Place a portion of grouper on each tortilla, then top with a generous spoonful of cabbage slaw.
5. Serve: Serve the tacos with lime wedges and your favorite hot sauce. These tacos are great for a casual dinner or a summer cookout.
5. Grouper Piccata
For a twist on a classic Italian dish, try this grouper piccata. The combination of tangy capers, fresh lemon juice, and butter creates a delectable sauce that perfectly complements the delicate flavor of the grouper.
Ingredients:
• 4 grouper fillets (6-8 ounces each)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• Juice of 2 lemons
• 1/4 cup capers, drained
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Grouper: Rinse the grouper fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Season both sides with sea salt and black pepper. Dredge the fillets in flour, shaking off any excess.
2. Heat the Pan: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the grouper fillets to the pan.
3. Cook the Grouper: Sear the fillets for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the fillets from the pan and set them aside on a plate.
4. Make the Piccata Sauce: In the same skillet, add the butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, or until the garlic is fragrant. Pour in the white wine and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until slightly reduced. Stir in the capers.
5. Return the Grouper: Return the grouper fillets to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to heat through.
6. Serve: Transfer the grouper fillets to a serving platter and pour the remaining sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately. This dish pairs beautifully with pasta or steamed vegetables and a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay.
Final Thoughts on these Grouper Recipes
Grouper are an incredibly versatile fish that shines in a variety of dishes, from light and refreshing grilled preparations to rich and savory pan-seared delights.
These five grouper recipes offer a range of flavors and cooking techniques that highlight the best qualities of grouper, making it a star on your dinner table.
Doesn’t matter if you’re grilling grouper with tropical mango salsa, pan-searing it for a quick and elegant meal, baking it with herbs and tomatoes, creating fun and flavorful fish tacos, or giving it an Italian twist with a piccata sauce.
Each of these recipes is intended to be straightforward, easy to prepare, and above all delicious.
Remember to always source fresh, high-quality grouper for the best results, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs, spices, and accompaniments to suit your taste.
Hit “Print” on this page so that you’re ready when you reel in that beautiful grouper or find some mouthwatering filets at your local fish market, and give one of these grouper recipes a try.
Your taste buds will thank you, and you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of cooking this fantastic fish.
Happy cooking and tight lines!
