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 19 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 temperature should grouper be cooked at? ›

Its flesh should be opaque and should flake easily using a fork. Internal temperature should register around 145 degrees F at the thickest part of the fish. What to Substitute for Grouper?

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

Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Dry fish filets with a paper towel or clean kitchen towel. Place on a large sheet pan and rub the oil over the fish filets, covering both sides. Place in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, until the fish is flaky and has reached an internal temp of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

How to make fish crisp in the oven? ›

Steps
  1. Heat oven to 400°F. Line cookie sheet with foil; generously spray foil with cooking spray. ...
  2. Dip fish into egg mixture; coat with bread crumb mixture. Place on cookie sheet. ...
  3. Bake 10 minutes. Turn fillets; bake 5 to 10 minutes longer or until fish flakes easily with fork.

Is grouper healthy to eat? ›

Grouper fish are also a good source of minerals, vitamins, and fats that contain essential fatty acids.

Should I cover fish when baking? ›

How long to bake: For fillets and steaks, use a ruler to measure the thickness of the fish before cooking, then bake, uncovered, in the preheated 450°F oven 4 to 6 minutes per ½-inch thickness of fish.

Do you flip fish when baking? ›

The answer to the equation is the ideal baking time for the fish you are cooking. For example, if you are making fish fillets that are ½ inch thick, the ideal baking time will be 5 minutes. Since fish can fall apart easily, you should only flip it once, halfway through baking.

How do you keep fish from drying out in the oven? ›

Citrus Infusion: Squeeze fresh lemon or lime juice over the fish before baking to add a zesty kick and keep the fillet moist. Herbs and Aromatics: Tuck fresh herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, around the fish for an aromatic infusion.

Why is my baked fish 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.

How do you cook fish in the oven without sticking it? ›

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly coat it with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Pat the fish fillets and shrimp dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Season the fish fillets and shrimp with your desired seasonings, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, or herbs.

What is the most unhealthy fish to eat? ›

Worst: Fish High in Mercury
  • Imported swordfish.
  • Imported marlin.
  • Shark.
  • Tilefish.

Why is grouper so expensive? ›

There are several reasons why grouper has become so expensive in the Sunshine State, including the fact that it is a highly sought-after species, the difficulty of harvesting it, and the strict regulations governing its harvest. First, grouper is a highly sought-after species.

How do you know when grouper is cooked? ›

The best way to tell if your fish is done is by testing it with a fork at an angle, at the thickest point, and twist gently. The fish will flake easily when it's done and it will lose its translucent or raw appearance. A good rule of thumb is to cook the fish to an internal temperature of 140-145 degrees.

Does fish have to be cooked to 145? ›

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). However, certain varieties like Ora King Salmon, kanpachi or hiramasa do well at lower internal temperatures if preferred.

At what temperature should fish be cooked? ›

What temperature should fish be cooked to? Fish and other seafood should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). At this cooked temperature, fish meat develops an opaque, white color up to the center and flaky meat characteristics.

Is grouper supposed to be pink? ›

Fresh whole fish should have a shiny surface with tightly adhering scales, gills that are deep red or pink, and a clean, shiny belly cavity with no cuts or protruding bones. Fresh steaks and fillets should be firm and translucent-looking, with no discoloration.

References

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