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My pan grilled grouper recipe is simply seasoned and grilled until it’s flaky and buttery soft. It’s our weeknight favorite because it’s quick and pairs with anything!
If your family loves grilling fish as much as mine does, try my grilled haddock, grilled tilapia, or grilled mahi mahi next.
Table of Contents
We cook seafood and fish at least once or twice a week, and while we love baked halibut, grilling fish is our preferred delivery method.
One of my family’s favorite types of fish to grill is grouper. That’s because it has such a mild flavor and big flakes. When grilled, it imparts a balanced smoky flavor while keeping the fish’s naturally moist and tender texture.
What is grouper?
Grouper is a saltwater fish commonly found in the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean. The taste of fish varies depending on its habitat, though it usually has a mild, slightly sweet flavor. The classic way of cooking grouper is to blacken, pan-sear, or grill it.
Why I love this recipe
- It’s so quick. The fish cooks in about 6 minutes with minimal prep time.
- Healthy. Like pan seared salmon, grouper is high in omega-3 fatty acids and other essential vitamins while being high in protein and low in calories.
- Easy to find and affordable. I can find fresh or frozen grouper at any grocery store or fish market, and it won’t break the bank.
- Versatile. I chose to keep the seasoning to a minimum, but since this is such a mild-tasting fish, you can doctor it up in countless ways.
Key ingredients
- Grouper fillets. Look for fillets that are even in size, firm, and have a mild ‘fishy’ aroma. I often use frozen fillets, though they will need to be fully thawed and pat dry before grilling.
- Olive oil. This is my preferred oil, though butter or any neutral-flavored oil will do (think canola oil, vegetable oil, etc.).
- Salt and black pepper. To season.
- Lemons and parsley. For garnish.
How to make pan-grilled grouper
I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 1- Prep. Pat the fillets dry.
Step 2- Season liberally with oil, salt, and pepper.
Step 3- Pan-Grill. Grill the grouper for several minutes on both sides until it becomes opaque.
Step 4- Serve warm with lemon and parsley.
Arman’s recipe tips
- Swap the spices. I like to switch things up and use 1-2 teaspoons of smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, or cayenne pepper for some heat.
- Keep an eye on the fish. White fish cooks quickly, which means it’s easy to overcook. Once you notice the fish begins to flake easily with a fork, it’s ready to be removed from the grill.
Frequently asked questions
This grouper recipe can be paired with countless side dishes. For a lighter side, try a wedge salad, air fryer asparagus, or sautéed carrots. For heartier sides, try my stuffed potatoes, cauliflower casserole, or butter beans.
To avoid the fish sticking to the grill, clean it properly to remove any burned-on debris. Then, oil the grill before adding fish to it.
Pan-Grilled Grouper
Video
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pat down the grouper with a paper towel to ensure there is no excess liquid.
- Generously rub both sides of the fish with olive oil. Sprinkle the salt and pepper.
- Heat the grill to medium-high and ensure the grill is clean. Brush more oil over the top. Alternatively, preheat a non-stick skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the grouper and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sides go slightly opaque. Flip the fish and cook for a further 3 minutes.
- Remove the fish from the grill and sprinkle with parsley and lemon.
Notes
Nutrition
More seafood dinners
- Blackened shrimp
- Chilean sea bass
- Roasted branzino
- Pan-seared monkfish
- Or any of these seafood recipes
Originally published April 2023, updated and republished January 2025
For this recipe, what would you suggest as a side dish? Potatoes maybe?
This is the BEST grouper recipe I’ve ever made!!! It’s so tasty and fast.
Thanks, Geraldine!
Love this grouper recipe. Pan-grilling it is a fabulous idea
Wonderful recipe that lets the fish’s flavors shine!