Fried Grouper is a tasty way to enjoy fresh, mild grouper. It's quick, easy, and delicious! I'm not a chef, but I know what tastes good and this pan-fried grouper is ah-mazing!
Grouper is a tasty fish that can be prepared in many different ways. It's perfect for those who enjoy seafood, and this fried grouper recipe is one of the best I've ever had.
Pan-Fried Grouper
Pan-fried grouper is crispy on the outside and flaky in center. Whitefish can be prepared in many different ways, but it's perfect for those who like seafood and want something that's quick and easy to make. Fried grouper sandwiches are one of my favorite dishes made with this type of fried grouper recipe!
This fried fish recipe is a classic that brings a taste of the sea to your table. The crispy coating and flaky inner texture of this pan-fried grouper is also delicious when served with creole sauce!
Ingredients
The ingredients list of this recipe may seem long but most of these spices should already be in your spice cabinet.
- lemon wedges
- grouper fillets
- oil
- sea salt
- black pepper
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- cumin
- celery salt
- smoked paprika
- ground mustard
- cayenne pepper
- allspice
See the recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
This easy fried grouper recipe requires just 10 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes in the oven.
Step 1: Heat your cast-iron skillet
Heat a large cast-iron skillet over high heat, heat oil until a drop of water flicked in it dances.
Step 2: Combine all the ingredients to make your own blackened seasoning
Combine all ingredients for blackened seasoning in a small bowl and rub grouper on both sides with seasoning.
Step 3: Fry the grouper
Add oil to the skillet, over medium to medium high heat. Place grouper onto the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side. Check to be sure fish is cooked to 140 degrees before serving
Step 4: Add the lemon juice
Juice lemon over the grouper once cooked.
Hint: A cast iron skillet will help you fried groupers have a nice crust, however you could also use a regular skillet instead.
Substitutions
Don't have the correct ingredients on hand? Or want to change something up? Here are some helpful tips for you to change this grouper recipe.
- Fish - Use any type of whitefish in place of the grouper like Red snapper, flounder, tlapia, sea bass, catfish, haddock, cod, and halibut are all mild-tasting fish and can be substituted for grouper.
- Blackened Seasoning - Use store bought blackened seasoning instead of making your own if you prefer.
- Lemon Juice - Don't have a lemon on hand? You can use a small amount of bottled lemon juice or leave it off all together.
Variations
Want to personalize this fried seafood recipe? Here are some of my tried and true tips for changing up this recipe.
- Spicy - add red chili pepper flakes to add an extra spicy kick to your grouper.
- Garlic Parmesan - Want to change up the flavor? Add garlic and parmesan to your grouper when frying instead.
- Cajun Seasoning - Use cajun seasoning instead of blackened seasoning for a southern flare.
If you love recipes like this, you may also enjoy this Seafood Pot Pie recipe.
Equipment
You only need two kitchen tools to help you make this easy and tasty recipe.
- small mixing bowl
- cast iron skillet
Storage
Store leftover grouper in a covered dish. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Fried grouper is best stored with the skin on to maintain its moisture and flavor.
Tips
- Fried Grouper can also be cooked in the oven or on a grill. Bake for 12 minutes at 450 degrees Fahrenheit, place aluminum foil underneath fish to catch any drippings after 10 minutes.
- To achieve best results, use filets about ½ an inch thick and weigh about 6 oz each.
- Make sure you are using fresh grouper fillets that smell like the sea and are free of brown spots.
- Before frying grouper, check for bones with your fingers by running them along the flesh.
- If using frozen fish fillets, make sure they are completely thawed and dried off with paper towels before seasoning.
FAQ
Do you have questions about Fried Grouper? Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about pan-fried grouper.
Reheat leftover fried grouper by adding about 1 tablespoon of water to the dish and microwaving for 90 seconds until hot. You can also reheat in an oven or on the stovetop.
Yes, you can use frozen grouper instead of fresh grouper fillets. You will need to add some additional cook time.
This recipe is best suited for fried white fish such as cod, tilapia or flounder.
You can check the fish is cooked all the way through by using a meat thermometer. If it reads 140 degrees Fahrenheit, then your grouper is thoroughly cooked.
Serve your fried fish with bread rolls or french fries for a complete meal or in our Grouper Reuben Sandwich. You could also serve rice or roasted potatoes to accompany this main dish.
Video
More Seafood Recipes
Do you like Seafood? Here are some recipes you may also like to try or take a moment and have a look at our Fall Fish Recipes collection. I think you'll be glad you did.
Fried Grouper
Ready to get cooking? Remember that you can print this recipe if you would like.
Fried Grouper
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 fresh lemon cut into wedges
- 4 grouper fillets *can substitute your favorite white fish*
- 2-4 tablespoons oil
Blackened Seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon celery salt
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon ground mustard
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon allspice
Instructions
- Rinse and pat dry your grouper filets.
- Get out and measure your seasoning ingredients.
- Combine all ingredients for blackened seasoning in a small bowl.
- Rub grouper on both sides with seasoning.
- Place a large cast iron skillet over medium high heat and heat oil until a drop of water flicked in it dances.
- Once oil is hot, place grouper onto the skillet.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes per side and filets are golden brown.
- Juice lemon over all of the grouper once cooked and removed from heat.
- Check to be sure fish is cooked to 140 degrees before serving.
- Enjoy every bite!
Video
Notes
- Fried Grouper can also be cooked in the oven or on a grill. Bake for 12 minutes at 450 degrees Fahrenheit, place aluminum foil underneath fish to catch any drippings after 10 minutes.
- To achieve best results, use filets about ½ an inch thick and weigh about 6 oz each.
- Make sure you are using fresh grouper fillets that smell like the sea and are free of brown spots.
- Before frying grouper, check for bones with your fingers by running them along the flesh.
- If using frozen fish fillets, make sure they are completely thawed and dried off with paper towels before seasoning.
Rilla Caswell says
I tried this and my taste buds were just blown away. Thank you for sharing such a delicious recipe 😋
Karin and Ken says
As always you’re most welcome! You made my day. Thank you for your kind words! Enjoy your day! Karin
Sam says
Easy and so tasty. Thx KD perfect on fire, gril or stove. Love the cast iron.
Karin and Ken says
Happy to hear you’re enjoying this easy recipe. We love it too. All the best. Karin