Delicious Grouper Scampi recipe you must try!
Are you tired of serving the same old fish dishes at your parties? Do you want to impress your guests with a scrumptious, yet easy-to-make seafood recipe? Look no further than my Grouper Scampi Recipe!
This dish is not only delicious, but also versatile. It works great as a main course for a fancy dinner party or as a flavorful addition to any buffet-style feast. And trust me, your guests will be begging for seconds (and the recipe)!
But why choose grouper as the star ingredient? Not only is it a local favorite in Vero Beach, but it’s also firm, flaky, and mild in flavor, which makes it perfect for pairing with the tangy, garlic-infused scampi sauce.
So whether it’s for a special occasion or just a casual get-together, my Grouper Scampi Recipe is sure to elevate your next event. Get ready to be crowned the host or hostess with the mostest!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for a seafood dish that is easy to make and can satisfy your taste buds? Look no further than the Grouper Scampi Recipe! This recipe offers a mouthwatering combination of flavors that will leave you wanting more.
As a lover of seafood, nothing can be more satisfying than indulging yourself in a fish scampi. The play of salt and pepper, garlic, white wine, butter, olive oil – all mingled with the best grouper fillet – makes for an explosion of deliciousness that your taste buds will never forget.
The dish is incredibly versatile and can be whipped up in a few minutes. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to impress. You’ll have everyone thinking you are a master chef!
With its unbeatable taste and satisfying appeal, the Grouper Scampi Recipe is one that you won’t regret trying out. Trust me; it’s the ultimate seafood delicacy that’s both easy to make and impressive enough to serve at dinner parties. So don’t hesitate; try it out today!
Ingredient List
- Best Grouper Fillet – 1 to 2 pounds (fresh catch fish from vero beach or any white and flaky fish like black sea bass can be used as a substitute)
- Spaghetti or any other Pasta – 1 pound
- Butter – 1 cup, divided
- Olive oil – ¼ cup
- Garlic – 4 cloves, minced
- White Wine – ¼ cup (feel free to use vegetable broth as a non-alcoholic substitute)
- Lemon Peel – From a whole lemon, grated
- Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon, freshly squeezed
- Salt and pepper – To season the grouper fillet and sauce to taste
- Clam Sauce Recipe – (2 cups of canned or homemade sauce)
Note: shrimp scampi can be easily adapted from this recipe by swapping the fish with peeled and deveined fresh shrimp.
All these ingredients are readily available and will result in an awesome best grouper scampi recipe you can enjoy with your loved ones.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have our ingredients prepared, let’s move on to the main event of this article – the Grouper Scampi Recipe. In this section, I’ll be walking you through step-by-step on how to make this delectable dish.
Step 1: Season the Grouper Fillet
Take your freshly caught grouper fillets and sprinkle them with salt and pepper generously. Rub in the seasoning to make sure that the fish is flavorful all around.
Step 2: Heat Olive Oil in a Large Skillet
Get a large skillet and heat it up over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the pan and let it warm up for about a minute.
Step 3: Sear the Grouper Fillet
Once you’ve seasoned your grouper fillets and heated up your skillet, it’s time to sear the fish. Make sure that your skillet is hot before you add your grouper fillet into the pan.
Place the seasoned grouper fillets in the preheated skillet and cook each side for about 3-4 minutes or until it turns opaque. Once done, remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 4: Make The Scampi Sauce
In another pan, prepare your scampi sauce. Melt 1 cup of butter, olive oil or a combination of both in a separate pan over medium heat. Add in minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Pour in white wine, clam sauce or chicken broth and let it simmer for about 2 minutes until it has reduced slightly. Add lemon juice, lemon peel, salt, and pepper then let it simmer for another minute.
Step 5: Combine everything together
Add the seared grouper into the scampi saucepan then gently spoon some sauce on top of it. Let it cook for a few minutes over low heat until everything is heated through.
Step 6: Serve
Once everything is good to go, take your mouth-watering dish out of the pan and transfer onto a plate. Garnish your Grouper Scampi with some chopped parsley or basil leaves for added flavor.
Now that we’ve gone through all stages on how to cook a perfect Grouper Scampi dish, you’re ready to impress everyone at your next dinner party!
Substitutions and Variations
Cooking is all about experimenting and making your own unique spin on things. If you don’t have or don’t fancy some of the ingredients in this grouper scampi recipe, fear not! You can easily substitute them with other items.
Firstly, if for some reason you cannot find the best grouper fillet, then you can use other types of amazing fish to make this recipe, such as black sea bass or any fresh catch. You could also try crab meat or shrimp, as they work just as well in a scampi sauce made with butter and white wine garlic. Likewise, you can use spaghetti pasta or even zucchini noodles, depending on your dietary needs.
If you are really short on time and need a quick meal fix, you may try pan-seared grouper fillet with lemon basil cream sauce or even a simple shrimp scampi that is always a crowd-pleaser. For those who love spicy flavors, try adding some red pepper flakes to the sauce recipe or blackening the grouper instead of pan-frying it.
Another variation I often make is serving this dish with a side of garlic bread or alongside a salad mix of your favorite vegetables. For an elegant dinner party idea or celebrating more special occasions, consider pairing the dish with some white wine and/or champagne!
There is no right or wrong way to enjoy this recipe so feel free to get creative in your kitchen and make it into something awesome and unique that suits your own personal taste preferences.
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving and pairing this delicious Grouper Scampi dish, there are plenty of options to choose from. One classic choice is to serve it with spaghetti or pasta, as the fish scampi sauce pairs perfectly with the al dente noodles. You could also try serving it with some pan-seared grouper fillets or blackened grouper to make it more filling for your guests.
Another great option is to pair it with some crab meat or shrimp on top for added texture and flavor. The lemon basil cream sauce is another perfect addition that brings a pop of freshness and tanginess to the dish.
If you’re feeling fancy, consider pairing it with a glass of chilled white wine that complements the fish and garlic flavors. A crisp Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc would be an excellent choice to balance out the rich butter and olive oil in the scampi sauce.
For those who prefer non-alcoholic beverages, sparkling water or an icy cold lemonade would work well too. And if you want to add greens to your meal, consider pairing it with a simple tossed salad with fresh seasonal vegetables, drizzled over a light vinaigrette dressing.
Overall, this versatile, delicious Grouper Scampi recipe makes an excellent main meal in any dinner party or gathering. It’s easy to customize and pair up with different side dishes, making sure everyone gets their favorite combination on their plate.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
This Grouper Scampi Recipe is perfect for those who love to plan ahead. You can make the scampi sauce, and even the spaghetti for serving, ahead of time. The sauce can last in the refrigerator for up to two days before use.
To reheat the sauce, simply add it back into the skillet over medium-low heat, and stir occasionally until heated through. If it is too thick, you can add a splash of white wine or chicken broth to thin it out.
The grouper fillet itself should be cooked fresh to ensure maximum flavor and texture. But if you have any leftover cooked fish from a previous meal, you can incorporate that into the dish as well.
Leftovers of the finished dish can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. When reheating, make sure to do so in a microwave-safe dish or on the stovetop with medium-low heat to avoid overcooking the fish and ruining its delicate texture.
Overall, this recipe is convenient for those who want to prepare in advance without sacrificing flavor and freshness.
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure that your Grouper Scampi is the talk of the town, here are some tips for perfect results:
1. Get the Best Grouper: The key to an excellent Grouper Scampi is to get the freshest and best grouper you can find. Make sure it’s locally sourced and sustainably caught. I recommend getting your fresh catch from a local fish market or from a nearby fisherman’s wharf.
2. Pat Dry Your Grouper Fillet: Before seasoning your grouper fillet with salt and pepper, pat it dry with paper towels. This will help form a nice crust when you pan-sear it.
3. Pan-Sear Your Grouper Fillet: For a crisp exterior and flaky interior, sear your grouper fillet in a hot skillet with butter and olive oil for two minutes on each side. Don’t overcook it though! A perfectly cooked grouper should be opaque in color.
4. Don’t Skimp on Garlic: Garlic is the star of this show! Use fresh cloves of garlic and don’t be afraid to add more than what the recipe calls for. A generous amount of garlic will make your scampi sauce decadently delicious.
5. Substitute Grouper with Other Fish: If grouper is not available or if you’re feeling adventurous, feel free to substitute it with other types of white fish like black sea bass or even shrimp.
6. Pair with White Wine: The best way to elevate any seafood dish is by pairing it with chilled white wine. Choose a bottle of dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc that complements the flavors of the dish.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to create an irresistible plate of Grouper Scampi that will leave your guests wanting more!
FAQ
As we near the end of this Grouper Scampi Recipe article, I highly recommend reading through our frequently asked questions to ensure you have all the necessary information before getting started. Trust me; it will save you some trouble in the long run.
What is the best way to eat grouper?
Cooking grouper by pan-frying method is a widely-accepted practice in the culinary world. To prepare the filets for cooking, ensure to remove any excess moisture by using a paper towel. Afterwards, apply a rub of either olive oil or butter with preferred spices, and cook on high heat in a thick-bottomed or cast-iron skillet. The skillet should contain half-an-inch of cooking oil to achieve a perfect pan-fried grouper.
What is scampi sauce made of?
This particular recipe features a delectable scampi sauce, made with a combination of aromatic ingredients such as butter, olive oil, white wine, garlic, red pepper flakes, and lemon juice. For a finishing touch, a sprinkle of parsley is added for extra flavor and visual appeal.
Does grouper have to be cooked all the way?
When preparing the fish, ensure that it is cooked until it is no longer transparent in the center, and instead has a flaky texture when pierced with a fork. Additional cooking time of 1 to 2 minutes may be necessary for fish pieces thicker than 1 inch (2.5 cm). You can either cook or broil the fish to achieve the desired texture.
How long do you cook a pound of grouper?
Let’s begin by preheating the oven to a piping hot temperature of 400 degrees Fahrenheit. To prepare the fish, gently dab it with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture and give it a light sprinkle of salt on both sides. Once the fish is evenly seasoned, gently place it in a lightly-oiled baking dish.
It’s time to let the heat do its magic! Pop the baking dish with the seasoned fish into the preheated oven and let it bake for approximately 12 to 13 minutes. The fish is cooked when it turns an opaque white and effortlessly flakes with a fork. Once out of the oven, garnish it with fresh dill or your go-to herb for an extra burst of flavor.
Pro tip: While cooking fish, try to avoid overcooking as it may lead to dry and tough meat. Keep an eye on the fish in the oven and take it out as soon as it reaches the desired consistency.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the grouper scampi recipe is an excellent dish to impress your guests and show off your culinary skills. Using fresh catch from Vero Beach with a scampi sauce made of butter and white wine infused with garlic, lemon peel, pepper, and salt is a surefire way to excite your taste buds. With variations such as spaghetti fish scampi, fish scampi clam sauce, and garlic shrimp, this recipe guarantees versatility on your dinner table.
Don’t let this recipe slip through your fingers! If you want an awesome, best-tasting grouper meal, try out this recipe today. Whether you go for pan-seared grouper fillet, blackened grouper, grilled grouper, baked grouper or any other variation of this dish, this recipe will surely leave a delicious lasting impression on the people who you share it with.
So why not head to the store now and get yourself the best grouper fillet available. Then get ready to show off all that you have learned in this recipe article while preparing this savory dish. Trust me; it’ll be worth it!
Grouper Scampi Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon white wine
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon peel, grated
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 1 1/2 lbs grouper fillets (4 fillets)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°.
- Combine butter, wine garlic, lemon peel and pepper in small bowl; stir to blend.
- Place fish on foil-lined shallow baking pan. Top with seasoned butter.
- Bake 10-12 minutes or until fish flakes easily with fork.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!