Key West Style Baked Grouper: A Taste of the Islands at Home

Craving a taste of the tropics? Look no further than this Key West Style Baked Grouper recipe. It’s a delightful dish that combines flaky, mild grouper with vibrant citrus flavors, a hint of spice, and a buttery, golden topping. Easy to prepare and bursting with sunshine, this baked grouper will transport your taste buds straight to the Florida Keys. This recipe isn’t just about following steps; it’s about capturing the essence of Key West cuisine: fresh, flavorful, and laid-back.

This recipe provides a complete guide to creating a delicious and authentic Key West Baked Grouper. We’ll cover everything from selecting the freshest ingredients to mastering the perfect baking time. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this restaurant-quality meal!

## Why Key West Style Grouper?

Key West cuisine is known for its bright, fresh flavors, often incorporating citrus fruits like limes and lemons, tropical spices, and, of course, fresh seafood. Grouper, a mild and flaky white fish, is a staple in the Keys, and this recipe perfectly captures the essence of the island’s culinary spirit. Baking the grouper ensures it stays moist and tender while allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. The buttery topping adds a delightful richness and texture that complements the fish perfectly.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start, gather your ingredients. Freshness is key (pun intended!) for this recipe to truly shine. Here’s what you’ll need:

* **Grouper Fillets:** 4 (6-8 ounce) grouper fillets, skin on or off (your preference)
* **Lime Juice:** 1/4 cup, freshly squeezed (about 2-3 limes)
* **Lemon Juice:** 2 tablespoons, freshly squeezed (about 1 lemon)
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons, extra virgin
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves, minced
* **Shallot:** 1 small, finely minced
* **Red Bell Pepper:** 1/4 cup, finely diced
* **Jalapeño Pepper:** 1/2, seeded and finely minced (optional, for a little heat)
* **Fresh Cilantro:** 1/4 cup, chopped
* **Butter:** 4 tablespoons (1/2 cup), unsalted, melted
* **Panko Bread Crumbs:** 1/2 cup
* **Grated Parmesan Cheese:** 1/4 cup
* **Old Bay Seasoning:** 1 teaspoon
* **Salt:** To taste
* **Black Pepper:** Freshly ground, to taste
* **Paprika:** 1/2 teaspoon (optional, for color)
* **Lime wedges:** For serving

**Ingredient Notes:**

* **Grouper:** If you can’t find grouper, other firm white fish like snapper, cod, or mahi-mahi will work well. Adjust cooking time as needed based on the thickness of the fillets.
* **Lime and Lemon Juice:** Freshly squeezed juice is essential for the best flavor. Bottled juice simply doesn’t compare.
* **Jalapeño:** Adjust the amount of jalapeño based on your spice preference. For a milder flavor, remove the seeds and membranes completely.
* **Panko Bread Crumbs:** Panko bread crumbs are preferred for their light and crispy texture. If you only have regular bread crumbs, you can use them, but the topping won’t be quite as crispy.
* **Old Bay Seasoning:** This iconic seafood seasoning adds a distinctive flavor. If you don’t have it, you can substitute a mixture of celery salt, paprika, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your own Key West masterpiece:

**1. Prepare the Grouper:**

* Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
* Rinse the grouper fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps ensure the fish browns nicely.
* Place the fillets in a baking dish lightly greased with olive oil or cooking spray. Make sure the fillets aren’t overcrowded; use two dishes if necessary.

**2. Marinate the Grouper:**

* In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, minced garlic, minced shallot, diced red bell pepper, and minced jalapeño (if using).
* Pour the marinade evenly over the grouper fillets.
* Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and paprika (if using).
* Let the grouper marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes, in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to penetrate the fish.

**3. Prepare the Topping:**

* While the grouper is marinating, prepare the buttery topping.
* In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, panko bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, Old Bay seasoning, and chopped cilantro.
* Mix well until the bread crumbs are evenly coated with butter and cheese.

**4. Assemble and Bake:**

* Remove the grouper from the refrigerator.
* Evenly distribute the bread crumb mixture over the top of each grouper fillet, pressing gently to help it adhere.
* Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the grouper is cooked through and the topping is golden brown. The internal temperature of the grouper should reach 145°F (63°C).
* **Important:** Baking time will vary depending on the thickness of the grouper fillets. Check for doneness by gently flaking the fish with a fork. It should be opaque and flake easily.

**5. Serve and Enjoy:**

* Remove the baked grouper from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
* Garnish with fresh lime wedges and extra cilantro, if desired.
* Serve immediately and enjoy!

## Tips for the Perfect Key West Baked Grouper

* **Don’t Overcook:** Overcooked grouper can be dry and tough. Keep a close eye on the fish while it’s baking and check for doneness frequently.
* **Fresh is Best:** Use the freshest possible ingredients, especially the grouper and citrus fruits. This will make a huge difference in the overall flavor of the dish.
* **Adjust the Spice:** Feel free to adjust the amount of jalapeño pepper to your liking. If you’re sensitive to spice, you can omit it altogether.
* **Broil for Extra Crispiness:** If you want a crispier topping, you can broil the grouper for the last minute or two of baking. Watch it carefully to prevent burning.
* **Marinate for Flavor:** Don’t skip the marinating step! It allows the flavors to penetrate the fish and creates a more flavorful and complex dish.
* **Use a Meat Thermometer:** To ensure your grouper is perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 145°F (63°C).

## Serving Suggestions

Key West Baked Grouper is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few suggestions:

* **Rice Pilaf:** A light and fluffy rice pilaf is a classic accompaniment to seafood.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or bell peppers are a healthy and flavorful side dish.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes are a comforting and satisfying option.
* **Coleslaw:** A tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the grouper.
* **Grilled Pineapple:** Grilled pineapple adds a tropical touch to the meal and complements the citrus flavors of the grouper.
* **Key Lime Pie:** No Key West meal is complete without a slice of Key Lime Pie for dessert!

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Different Fish:** As mentioned earlier, you can substitute other firm white fish like snapper, cod, or mahi-mahi for grouper.
* **Spice Level:** Adjust the amount of jalapeño or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicier dish. Omit the jalapeño entirely for a milder flavor.
* **Herb Variations:** Experiment with different herbs like thyme, oregano, or basil in the topping. Parsley can be used in place of cilantro.
* **Citrus Variations:** Use different citrus fruits like oranges or grapefruit in the marinade. A combination of lime and orange juice can be particularly delicious.
* **Dairy-Free:** Substitute dairy-free butter for the butter in the topping and use a dairy-free Parmesan cheese alternative.
* **Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free panko bread crumbs in the topping.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

You can prepare the grouper ahead of time by marinating it and preparing the topping. Store the marinated grouper in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Store the topping separately in an airtight container at room temperature. When ready to bake, simply assemble and bake as directed.

## Storage and Reheating Instructions

* **Storage:** Store leftover baked grouper in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the grouper in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the topping may not be as crispy.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 350-450 per serving (depending on portion size and ingredients)
* Protein: 30-40 grams
* Fat: 20-30 grams
* Carbohydrates: 10-15 grams

*Note: This is an approximation and may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

## Key West Baked Grouper Recipe Card

**Yields:** 4 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 15-20 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 4 (6-8 ounce) grouper fillets
* 1/4 cup lime juice, freshly squeezed
* 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
* 2 tablespoons olive oil, extra virgin
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 small shallot, finely minced
* 1/4 cup red bell pepper, finely diced
* 1/2 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely minced (optional)
* 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
* 4 tablespoons (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, melted
* 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
* Salt, to taste
* Black pepper, to taste
* 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
* Lime wedges, for serving

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Rinse and pat dry grouper fillets. Place in a greased baking dish.
3. In a bowl, whisk together lime juice, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, shallot, red bell pepper, and jalapeño (if using). Pour over grouper. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika (if using). Marinate for 15-30 minutes.
4. In a separate bowl, combine melted butter, panko bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, Old Bay seasoning, and cilantro. Mix well.
5. Remove grouper from refrigerator. Evenly distribute bread crumb mixture over each fillet.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until grouper is cooked through and topping is golden brown (internal temperature of 145°F/63°C).
7. Garnish with lime wedges and cilantro. Serve immediately.

## Conclusion

This Key West Style Baked Grouper recipe is a simple yet elegant dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. With its bright, fresh flavors and buttery topping, it’s sure to become a family favorite. So, bring a taste of the islands to your kitchen and enjoy this delicious and easy-to-make recipe!

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