Oven-Baked Grouper Recipe | gritsandpinecones.com (2024)

Date: · Updated: Author: Sharon Rigsby

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Easy Crispy Oven-Baked Grouper checks all of the boxes; it’s quick, easy, fuss proof, foolproof, and every last bite is crunchy, flaky deliciousness! And, a bonus, you can have all of this without the mess of frying!

Oven-Baked Grouper Recipe | gritsandpinecones.com (1)

Oven-Baked Grouper is a staple in our house. And, I make this delicious, baked, breaded, fish main course often.

What’s the best fish to bake?

Yes, I can read your mind, and I know you are wondering if you can substitute another fish in this recipe for baked fish fillets? And the answer is a resounding yes! Any firm white fish like red snapper, halibut, flounder, haddock, cod, or mahi-mahi, would also work well in this easy baked fish recipe.

The only caveat is the fish fillets should be fresh and be at least 1 to 1-½ inches thick. Any thicker or thinner than this means that you will have to increase or decrease the cooking time.

How do you make oven-baked grouper crispy?

The secret to this crispy oven-baked fish recipe is toasting the panko breadcrumbs before coating the fish so they will be flavorful, golden brown and crispy.

How do you make baked fish taste better?

The other secret to this baked fish recipe is cooking the breaded fish fillets slowly at a relatively low temperature, which keeps them moist, tender, and flaky.

Is fish healthy?

According to the website, EDF Seafood Selector, white-fleshedfish, in particular, is lower in fat than any other source of animal protein and the omega-3s found in fish (EPA and DHA) appear to provide the greatest health benefits.

More grouper recipes:

If you like grouper as much as we do, you might also want to check out these easy and popular grouper recipes on my blog:

  • Easy Pan-Seared Grouper with Gremolata,
  • Baked Grouper with Tomatoes and Artichokes
  • Easy Baked Parmesan Grouper Fillets
  • Mediterranean Grouper
  • Grilled Grouper and Mango Salsa
  • Crispy Fried Grouper

Here is a link to more seafood recipes and menu ideas.

How to make Oven-Baked Grouper:

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F.

Melt butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and thyme and cook for about 30 seconds. Stir in panko and pepper and cook until the panko is golden brown, which should take about 6 minutes.

Remove from the heat and set aside.

Oven-Baked Grouper Recipe | gritsandpinecones.com (2)

Combine mayonnaise and lemon zest in a small bowl.

Oven-Baked Grouper Recipe | gritsandpinecones.com (3)

Use a paper towel to pat dry the fish fillets and season to taste on both sides with salt and pepper.

Set a wire baking rack inside a rimmed baking sheet and spray the rack and baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray.

Use a pastry brush and coat the tops and sides of the fish fillets evenly with a thin layer of the mayonnaise mixture. Do not coat the bottom.

Oven-Baked Grouper Recipe | gritsandpinecones.com (4)

Dredge a fillet in the panko breadcrumb mixture and make sure the top and sides are evenly coated.

Oven-Baked Grouper Recipe | gritsandpinecones.com (5)

Place the fillet, panko side up, on the baking rack and repeat with the remaining fillets.

Oven-Baked Grouper Recipe | gritsandpinecones.com (6)

Bake the fillets for about 30-35 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the fillet registers 140 degrees. The fish should flake easily when a fork is inserted.

Oven-Baked Grouper Recipe | gritsandpinecones.com (7)

Serve this delicious fish with my easy cheese grits and a nice tossed salad.

Leftovers can be used to make Fish Tacos or Homemade Fish Cakes.

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Oven-Baked Grouper Recipe - Easy Crispy Panko Coated Fillets

Sharon Rigsby

Crispy Oven Baked Grouper checks all of the boxes; it's quick, it's easy, it's foolproof, and every last bite of the fish is pure crunchy, flaky, deliciousness!

5 from 20 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 337 kcal

Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 clove garlic (small clove, minced)
  • ¾ teaspoon fresh thyme may substitute ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • ½ teaspoon lemon zest
  • 4 fresh grouper fillets (1 to 1-½ inches thick) (skinless)

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F.

  • Melt butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and thyme and cook for about 30 seconds. Stir in panko and pepper and cook until the panko is golden brown, which should take about 6 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside.

  • Combine mayonnaise and lemon zest in a small bowl.

  • Use a paper towel to pat dry the fish fillets and season to taste with salt and pepper.

  • Set a wire baking rack inside a rimmed baking sheet and spray with non-stick cooking spray.

  • Use a pastry brush and coat the tops and sides of the fish fillets evenly with a thin layer of the mayonnaise mixture.

  • Dredge the fillets in the panko breadcrumb mixture and make sure the top and sides are evenly coated. Do not coat the bottom.

  • Place the fillet, panko side up, on the baking rack and repeat with the remaining fillets.

  • Bake the fillets for about 30-35 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the fillet registers 140 degrees and the fish flakes easily when a fork is inserted.

Notes

Any firm white fish like red snapper, halibut, flounder, haddock, cod, or mahi-mahi, would also work well in this easy baked fish recipe.

Nutrition

Calories: 337kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 34gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 116mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 1mgSugar: 1gVitamin A: 750IUCalcium: 80mgIron: 2mg

Tried this recipe? Tag me today! Mention @gritspinecones or tag #gritspinecones!

Oven-Baked Grouper Recipe | gritsandpinecones.com (2024)

FAQs

What temp should grouper be cooked to? ›

Whether you're cooking frozen grouper filets or fresh ones, aim for a core temperature of 145°F (62°C). Use a meat thermometer and stick it in the filet's thickest part.

What is the best way to eat grouper? ›

Grilled Grouper

Simply seasoned with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika, mild grouper fillets pick up lightly smoky, savory flavor in scallion, lemon, and butter-stuffed packets on the grill. These packets leave the fish perfectly moist and flaky, and avoid potentially sticky grill grates.

How long does it take fish to cook at 375? ›

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. For fillets that are about 1 inch thick, bake them for approximately 12-15 minutes.

Is grouper good in air fryer? ›

Air Fryer Grouper -- If you're looking for an easy, healthy seafood dish to make in your air fryer, look no further than grouper. This fish is mild in flavor and cooks up quickly in the air fryer. You can serve it with a simple lemon butter sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.

What is the best temperature to cook fish? ›

When frying fish, the oil should be preheated to a temperature between 350°F to 375°F (175°C to 190°C) for optimal results. What temperature should fish be cooked to? To reiterate, the safe and ideal internal temperature for most fish according to the FDA is 145°F (63°C).

Do you wash grouper before cooking? ›

It is completely unnecessary to rinse any type of protein — fish included — unless you feel it's starting to smell off, in which case rinsing is sort of a last-ditch effort to get one more day out of it. Not necessary but many hands and surfaces have come in contact with that fish.

Is grouper a healthy fish to eat? ›

Hammour fish (grouper fish) are known to be of great nutritional value for human consumption, as their protein has a high biological value and contains all the essential amino acids. Grouper fish are also a good source of minerals, vitamins, and fats that contain essential fatty acids.

Why is my grouper rubbery? ›

Overcooked fish loses its natural moisture, which can result in a dry and chewy texture. The proteins in the fish also begin to tighten, which can make the fish tough and rubbery. In addition, overcooked fish can have a severe lack of flavor, as the heat causes the natural oils in the fish to evaporate.

Should fish be covered or uncovered when baking in the oven? ›

Bake uncovered 15 to 20 minutes or until fish flakes easily with fork.

What is the best temperature to cook fish in the oven? ›

Baking Temperatures for Fish

Chefs recommend baking fish at between 350° Fahrenheit and 450° Fahrenheit. The best temperature to bake fish depends on the cut of fish.

How long should a fish be in the oven at 400 degrees? ›

Breaded and coated fish usually is cooked without being covered, but fillets and whole fish are covered for tender results. What is this? How long to cook fish in the oven at 400 degrees? About 8-12 minutes depending on the size of the fish.

Should I flip fish in air fryer? ›

In the middle of the cooking process, you'll want to flip the fish, for even cooking. Regardless of whether or not you need to lengthen your cooking time, the process will still be quick. For example, a six-ounce cod filet can cook in as little as 12 minutes.

Why is my fish not crispy in air fryer? ›

Don't overcrowd your air fryer basket. This allows the fish to get crispy all over. If you don't have an air fryer, you can achieve similar results in a convection oven (see directions in the recipe), but I found that the air fryer delivers a crisper finish faster.

Is grouper a high quality fish? ›

It is a good source of quality protein and has a lot of healthy benefits. Great source of some vitamins and minerals and also contains low amounts of minerals such as sodium.

Is fish done at 135 degrees? ›

White Fish (like Pacific cod or Pacific Halibut): Target around 130 degrees F. Very Fatty Fish (like Sablefish): Can go up to 135 degrees F. These suggested fish cooking temps will leave you with tender fillets that are cooked to medium-rare or medium doneness, depending on the type of fish.

Does fish have to be cooked to 165? ›

Does fish have to be cooked to 165? No. Fish normally has less fat than other types of meat, so heat can travel more efficiently to its core. This is why the recommended temperature of fish is 145°F (63°C).

Do you cook fish to 165? ›

The FDA guidance for safe cook temp on seafood is 145F however for listeria we should be hitting 165F.

What is the best water temperature for grouper? ›

Gag Grouper Fishing Temperatures

Gag Grouper love water temperatures of between 66-78° F.

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