Grouper is a tasty, flaky white fish that is popular in coastal regions. There are several easy methods for cooking grouper fillets to bring out its best flavors. In this article, i will instruct you on how to cook grouper fish on the stove, in the oven, air fryer or on the grill.
1. How To Cook Grouper on Stove
Ingredients
- 2 grouper fillets (6-8 oz each), skin removed
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon capers
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
Rinse the grouper fillets under cold water and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
Mix together the flour, salt and pepper in a shallow dish. Dredge the fillets lightly in the seasoned flour, coating both sides. Shake off any excess flour.
Heat the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
When the oil is hot, add the butter to the pan. Carefully place the grouper fillets in the pan once the butter has melted.
Cook for 3-4 minutes on the first side until golden brown. Flip the fillets over, then add capers and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout.
Transfer the cooked grouper to a clean plate. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top.
Serve the pan seared grouper immediately, garnished with lemon wedges. Enjoy this easy stove-top grouper dish.
2. How To Cook Grouper in Oven
Ingredients
- 2 grouper fillets (6-8 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp parsley (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons butter (optional)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Pat the grouper fillets dry with paper towels. Brush both sides with olive oil and season with paprika, thyme, salt and pepper.
Place the fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Top each fillet with a lemon slice and a tablespoon of butter (optional).
Bake the grouper for 12-15 minutes until it flakes easily and is opaque throughout. Baking time may vary depending on thickness of fillets.
Remove the baked grouper from oven. Serve immediately, garnished with parsley.
The high heat of the oven cooks the grouper to tender perfection. For easy clean-up, line the baking sheet with foil instead of parchment paper.
3. How To Cook Grouper in Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 2 grouper fillets (6-8 oz each)
- 1/3 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Pat the grouper fillets dry with paper towels. Soak them in buttermilk for 15-20 minutes.
Mix together the panko breadcrumbs, thyme, paprika, and salt and pepper in a shallow dish.
Remove fillets from the buttermilk, letting any excess drip off. Coat the fillets all over in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
Place the coated fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, not overcrowding. Air fry at 400°F for 10-12 minutes until the crust is crispy and fish flakes easily.
Flip the fillets halfway during cooking to ensure even browning.
Serve the air fried grouper immediately while hot and crispy. Tartar sauce or lemon wedges make great accompaniments.
The air fryer gives the grouper a deliciously crispy crust without needing to deep fry. Adjust cooking time as needed for thicker or thinner fillets.
4. How To Cook Grouper on Grill
Ingredients
- 2 grouper steaks (6-8 oz each)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1/2 tbsp toasted garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp butter
- Green onions for serving
Instructions
Prepare an outdoor grill for direct medium heat. Oil the grill grates.
Pat the grouper steaks dry. Brush both sides with olive oil. Drizzle the lime juice over the fillets.
Sprinkle the fish evenly with toasted garlic, salt and pepper. Dot each grouper steak with a tablespoon of butter.
Cut 2 large rectangles of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Place a grouper steak in the center of each piece of foil. Fold up foil edges to seal each into a packet.
Grill the foil packets for 8-10 minutes, turning over halfway through. The fish is fully cooked when it flakes easily with a fork.
Carefully open the foil packets and transfer grouper steak to a plate. You can garnished with green onions.
The foil helps the grouper cook gently and absorb all the flavors. For easy foil packet removal, double wrap with a second layer of foil. Enjoy this simple grilled grouper with rice and veggies.
Grouper has a unique sweet, moist flavor that pairs well with bold seasonings. It can be cooked using a variety of easy methods. Pan searing, baking, air frying or grilling are all great options for cooking grouper fillets to tender, flaky perfection. You just follow these recipes in this article to enjoy delicious grouper dishes at home.
