Moist and flaky, this pan seared grouper with lemon butter is a true delicacy. Whether paired with fresh veggies or enjoyed on its own, the rich butter sauce perfectly complements the fish. Get ready to savor every bite!
Grouper is undeniably an incredible fish. The good news is that it’s available year-round in the United States, usually in the form of red grouper. You can find fillets, steaks, or even whole fish. In this recipe, I used 8 oz fillet portions. With its high oil content and large flakes, grouper is perfect for baking, grilling, broiling, and even steaming.
Grouper Price
Grouper is not your everyday cheap fish. I paid about $18 for a fresh, wild 1 lb order. Unfortunately, I had to order it online since there are no local fish stores nearby. The price can range from $13 to $18 per pound, depending on whether the fish is frozen or caught locally.
Grouper Nutrition
You’d be surprised to learn that this delectable fish is low in calories. With only 92 calories per 100 grams, it’s a guilt-free indulgence. Additionally, grouper is packed with protein, providing over 19 grams per serving. However, it’s important to note that grouper does have a high mercury content. To stay safe, limit your consumption to two portions per month.
How to Cook Pan Seared Grouper
Let me share my step-by-step directions for cooking the perfect pan seared grouper fillet. Trust me, the combination of lemon butter and this fish is an absolute taste sensation!
- First, season the grouper fillet with salt, pepper, and even a sprinkle of Old Bay seasoning if you like. Let the fish sit for a few minutes.
- Meanwhile, heat butter and garlic in a skillet. Add the fish and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side.
- Cook the fish until done. Check its doneness by inserting a digital thermometer into the thickest part of the fillet; it should read 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Transfer the cooked fish to a plate.
- Add chopped cilantro, lemon juice, and sauté for a minute in the butter and garlic mixture. The resulting sauce will be light but perfect for drizzling over the grouper, just like in the photo.
What Goes Well with Grouper
Clean, healthy vegetables are the perfect pairing for this fish. Whether it’s roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, artichokes, or sautéed vegetables, the choice is yours. If you’re looking for a heartier meal, consider serving the grouper with white rice or mashed potatoes. Personally, I love to keep it healthy, so I sauté some asparagus in a different pan. Trust me, it’s a winning combination!
Still contemplating whether to try this recipe or not? Let me assure you, when you sear this fish with some lemon butter, it becomes heavenly. Best of all, it’s ready in under 20 minutes, making it the perfect option for a quick and delicious meal!
How to Thaw Fish
If your grouper portions happen to be frozen, there are a few ways to thaw them:
- Leave the fish on the counter, and it should thaw in approximately 2 hours, depending on its thickness.
- Place the fillet in a bag and then put the bag in a bowl filled with water. This method will speed up the process and cut the thawing time in half.
- The best way, if you’re not in a rush, is to thaw the grouper in the fridge overnight. This method allows the fish to retain all its juices, just like you would do with a turkey.
Leftovers
If, by some miracle, you have some leftovers (we never do), simply place the fish in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, just pop it in the microwave for about 30 seconds. Alternatively, if you have an air fryer, reheat it there for 1 minute at 370 degrees Fahrenheit. Trust me, it will taste just as good as if it was freshly cooked!
More Seafood Recipes
If you’re a seafood enthusiast, I’ve got more mouthwatering recipes for you to explore:
- Cockles with White Wine and Garlic Butter
- Oven Baked Salmon Collars
- Healthy Oven Baked Sea Bream Fillet
- Air Fryer Catfish Nuggets
- Air Fryer Swordfish
- Baked Branzino Fillets in Foil
Give these recipes a try and embark on a culinary journey full of delicious seafood delights!
Remember, for more delectable recipes and culinary inspiration, visit Ekilove. Happy cooking!
