Blackened Grouper
Spice-crusted and pan-seared until deeply charred, with a tender, flaky center.
Dietary
Pescatarian, Keto, Wheat free, Nut free, Halal
Allergens
Fish, Dairy
Grouper fillets get coated in a smoky, peppery spice blend and seared in a cast iron skillet until a dark crust forms while the inside stays moist and flaky. It's a Gulf Coast favorite that comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners or alongside rice and vegetables.
Ingredients
- 4 grouper fillets, about 6 ounces each
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
Method
-
Pat the grouper fillets dry with paper towels and set aside.
-
In a small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, thyme, oregano, black pepper, and salt.
-
Brush both sides of each fillet with melted butter, then coat evenly with the spice blend, pressing gently to adhere.
-
Heat the vegetable oil in a 9-inch cast iron skillet over high heat until just beginning to smoke, about 2 minutes.
-
Place the fillets in the skillet and sear until a dark crust forms on the bottom, about 3 to 4 minutes.
-
Flip the fillets carefully and cook until the second side is blackened and the fish flakes easily with a fork, about 3 to 4 minutes.
-
Transfer the fillets to plates and let rest for 2 minutes before serving.
-
Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side.
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Blackened Grouper
Grouper fillets get coated in a smoky, peppery spice blend and seared in a cast iron skillet until a dark crust forms while the inside stays moist and flaky. It's a Gulf Coast favorite that comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners or alongside rice and vegetables.
20 min 4 servings 285 cal
Ingredients
- 4 grouper fillets, about 6 ounces each
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges

Method
- 1
Pat the grouper fillets dry with paper towels and set aside.
- 2
In a small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, thyme, oregano, black pepper, and salt.
- 3
Brush both sides of each fillet with melted butter, then coat evenly with the spice blend, pressing gently to adhere.
- 4
Heat the vegetable oil in a 9-inch cast iron skillet over high heat until just beginning to smoke, about 2 minutes.
- 5
Place the fillets in the skillet and sear until a dark crust forms on the bottom, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- 6
Flip the fillets carefully and cook until the second side is blackened and the fish flakes easily with a fork, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- 7
Transfer the fillets to plates and let rest for 2 minutes before serving.
- 8
Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side.
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