Hello dear friends, RecipeArt welcomes you to a new episode. If you’re on the lookout for an incredibly flavorful seafood dish that’s both easy to make and sure to impress, you’re in for a treat. Today our topic is my personal favorite: the Blackened Grouper recipe. This dish bursts with a symphony of spices and flavors that will transport your taste buds straight to the Gulf coast. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your apron, and let’s dive into this culinary adventure!
Jump to:
Preparation Time:
Around 15 minutes
Cooking Time:
Approximately 8-10 minutes
Recipe Yield:
This Blackened Grouper recipe serves 2 hungry seafood enthusiasts.
Nutritional Information:
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
| Calories | 320 |
| Total Fat | 18g |
| – Saturated Fat | 8g |
| Cholesterol | 95mg |
| Sodium | 420mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 4g |
| – Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Protein | 36g |
| Calcium | 6% DV |
| Iron | 15% DV |
**Remember, these values may vary depending on your ingredients. You may visit United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for the actual nutritional value of your ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Blackened Grouper Recipe:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
| Grouper fillets | 2 (about 6-8 oz each) |
| Paprika | 2 tablespoons |
| Onion powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Dried thyme | 1 teaspoon |
| Dried oregano | 1 teaspoon |
| Cayenne pepper | 1 teaspoon |
| Smoked paprika (for that extra smoky goodness) | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | As per taste |
| Black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
| White pepper (for a subtle kick) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Ground cumin | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Unsalted butter (melted) | 4 tablespoons |
| Olive oil (for brushing) | As needed |
| Fresh lemon wedges (for serving) | As required |
Let’s Get Cooking:
- Prepare the Grouper: Start by patting the grouper fillets dry with a paper towel. This helps the spices adhere better and ensures a crispy crust.
- Create the Flavorful Spice Blend: In a small bowl, combine the paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, white pepper, and ground cumin. Mix these spices well to create your homemade blackened seasoning.
- Coat the Fillets: Brush each grouper fillet with a thin layer of melted butter on both sides. This will help the spice blend stick to the fish and provide a rich, flavorful base.
- Season Liberally: Generously coat each buttered fillet with the blackened seasoning you prepared earlier. Make sure to cover both sides evenly for a harmonious blend of flavors.
- Heat Up the Skillet: Place a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Drizzle a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Sear to Perfection: Once the skillet is hot (but not smoking), carefully place the seasoned grouper fillets in the pan. Let them cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the fish develops a beautiful dark crust and flakes easily with a fork. The buttery aroma mingling with the spices will have you drooling in anticipation!
- Serve with Zest: Remove the fillets from the skillet and let them rest for a moment. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top, letting its zesty acidity cut through the richness of the blackened crust.
- Plate and Enjoy: Serve your blackened grouper fillets with your choice of sides. I recommend pairing this dish with fluffy rice, grilled vegetables, or a crisp salad. The contrast in textures and flavors will elevate your dining experience to new heights.
Pro tips:
- Freshness is Key: Start with high-quality, fresh grouper fillets. The fresher the fish, the better the flavors and textures will be in your final dish.
- Prep Ahead: Pat the fillets dry before seasoning. This helps the spices adhere and ensures a crispy crust during cooking.
- Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper in the seasoning to suit your spice tolerance. If you’re not a fan of heat, reduce the cayenne for a milder experience.
- Even Coating: Make sure to coat both sides of the fillets evenly with the melted butter and seasoning. This ensures a consistent flavor profile.
- Hot Pan, No Smoke: Heat your skillet over medium-high heat, ensuring it’s hot but not smoking before adding the fillets. This prevents the spices from burning and gives you that perfect blackened crust.
Final Thoughts:
Congratulation! You have successfully completed the journey of the Blackened Grouper Recipe. The magic lies in the perfectly balanced blend of spices that creates a symphony of flavors, and the blackened crust adds that irresistible crunch to every bite. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself to a gourmet meal at home, this recipe is a must-try.
Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and making the dish your own. Feel free to adjust the spice levels according to your taste preferences and get creative with the sides. The key is to have fun in the kitchen and savor the rewarding results.
So, don your apron, gather your ingredients, and embark on a culinary adventure that promises to tantalize your taste buds. Until next time, happy cooking!
Printable Recipe:
Perfect Blackened Grouper Recipe
Ingredients
- Grouper fillets 2 about 6-8 oz each
- Paprika 2 tablespoons
- Onion powder 1 teaspoon
- Garlic powder 1 teaspoon
- Dried thyme 1 teaspoon
- Dried oregano 1 teaspoon
- Cayenne pepper 1 teaspoon
- Smoked paprika for that extra smoky goodness 1 teaspoon
- Salt As per taste
- Black pepper 1/2 teaspoon
- White pepper for a subtle kick 1/4 teaspoon
- Ground cumin 1/4 teaspoon
- Unsalted butter melted 4 tablespoons
- Olive oil for brushing As needed
- Fresh lemon wedges for serving As required
Instructions
- Prepare the Grouper: Start by patting the grouper fillets dry with a paper towel. This helps the spices adhere better and ensures a crispy crust.
- Create the Flavorful Spice Blend: In a small bowl, combine the paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, white pepper, and ground cumin. Mix these spices well to create your homemade blackened seasoning.
- Coat the Fillets: Brush each grouper fillet with a thin layer of melted butter on both sides. This will help the spice blend stick to the fish and provide a rich, flavorful base.
- Season Liberally: Generously coat each buttered fillet with the blackened seasoning you prepared earlier. Make sure to cover both sides evenly for a harmonious blend of flavors.
- Heat Up the Skillet: Place a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Drizzle a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Sear to Perfection: Once the skillet is hot (but not smoking), carefully place the seasoned grouper fillets in the pan. Let them cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the fish develops a beautiful dark crust and flakes easily with a fork. The buttery aroma mingling with the spices will have you drooling in anticipation!
- Serve with Zest: Remove the fillets from the skillet and let them rest for a moment. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top, letting its zesty acidity cut through the richness of the blackened crust.
- Plate and Enjoy: Serve your blackened grouper fillets with your choice of sides. I recommend pairing this dish with fluffy rice, grilled vegetables, or a crisp salad. The contrast in textures and flavors will elevate your dining experience to new heights.
Notes
• Prep Ahead: Pat the fillets dry before seasoning. This helps the spices adhere and ensures a crispy crust during cooking.
You Might Also Like:
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of fish for this recipe?
Absolutely! While grouper is a fantastic choice, you can adapt this recipe to other firm and flaky fish like snapper, mahi-mahi, or even salmon.
What can I substitute for cayenne pepper if I don’t want it too spicy?
If you prefer a milder spice level, you can substitute the cayenne pepper with a smoky paprika for flavor without the heat.
Can I use a non-stick skillet instead of cast iron?
While cast iron skillets are traditional for blackened recipes, a non-stick skillet can work as well. Just be cautious not to use extremely high heat, as non-stick coatings can be sensitive to high temperatures.
How do I know when the fish is done cooking?
The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork. Check the thickest part of the fillet; if the flesh is opaque and flakes easily, it’s ready to be served.
Can I prepare the seasoning blend in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the seasoning blend in advance and store it in an airtight container for convenience. This can save time when you’re ready to cook.
What sides pair well with Blackened Grouper?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides such as steamed vegetables, roasted potatoes, garlic butter rice, or a light salad for a refreshing contrast.
