Skillet Braised Grouper with Tomatoes, Onions, and Capers: A Mediterranean Delight
This recipe brings the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean to your table with succulent grouper braised in a rich tomato sauce infused with onions, garlic, and briny capers. The skillet method ensures even cooking and allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a dish that’s both comforting and elegant. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, this Skillet Braised Grouper is sure to impress.
Why This Recipe Works
* **Simple Ingredients, Bold Flavors:** This recipe relies on fresh, high-quality ingredients to deliver maximum flavor. The combination of tomatoes, onions, garlic, and capers creates a complex and satisfying sauce that complements the mild flavor of the grouper.
* **Skillet Cooking:** Using a skillet allows for even heat distribution, ensuring that the grouper cooks evenly and the sauce simmers to perfection. The skillet also allows for easy searing of the grouper, adding another layer of flavor.
* **Quick and Easy:** Despite its sophisticated flavor profile, this recipe is surprisingly quick and easy to prepare. It’s ready in under an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
* **Versatile:** This dish can be served with a variety of sides, such as pasta, rice, couscous, or crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
Ingredients
* **Grouper Fillets:** 4 (6-8 ounce) grouper fillets, skin on or off, depending on preference
* **Olive Oil:** 3 tablespoons, extra virgin
* **Onion:** 1 medium, thinly sliced
* **Garlic:** 4 cloves, minced
* **Capers:** 2 tablespoons, drained
* **Crushed Red Pepper Flakes:** 1/4 teaspoon (or more, to taste)
* **Dry White Wine:** 1/2 cup (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
* **Canned Crushed Tomatoes:** 28 ounces
* **Fresh Basil:** 1/4 cup, chopped
* **Fresh Parsley:** 1/4 cup, chopped
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** To taste
* **Lemon Wedges:** For serving (optional)
Equipment
* Large skillet (12-inch) with a lid
* Cutting board
* Chef’s knife
* Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Grouper
1. Pat the grouper fillets dry with paper towels. This helps to ensure a good sear.
2. Season the grouper fillets generously with salt and black pepper on both sides.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
1. Heat the olive oil in the large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes and cook for another minute, until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 3: Deglaze the Pan
1. Pour in the dry white wine and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This adds flavor to the sauce.
2. Let the wine reduce slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Tomatoes and Capers
1. Pour in the canned crushed tomatoes and stir to combine.
2. Add the drained capers and stir again.
3. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
Step 5: Braise the Grouper
1. Gently place the grouper fillets into the simmering tomato sauce, spacing them evenly apart.
2. Spoon some of the sauce over the top of each fillet.
3. Cover the skillet with the lid and reduce the heat to low.
4. Let the grouper braise in the sauce for 8-12 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the fillets.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
1. Remove the skillet from the heat.
2. Stir in the chopped fresh basil and parsley.
3. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
4. Serve the Skillet Braised Grouper immediately, spooning the sauce over the fish.
5. Garnish with lemon wedges, if desired.
Tips for Success
* **Use Fresh Grouper:** Fresh grouper will have the best flavor and texture. Look for fillets that are firm, moist, and have a mild, clean scent.
* **Don’t Overcook the Grouper:** Grouper can become dry and tough if overcooked. Cook it just until it flakes easily with a fork.
* **Adjust the Spice Level:** If you prefer a spicier dish, add more crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
* **Use High-Quality Tomatoes:** Using high-quality canned crushed tomatoes will make a big difference in the flavor of the sauce. Look for tomatoes that are bright red and have a rich, sweet flavor.
* **Don’t Skip the Wine:** The dry white wine adds acidity and complexity to the sauce. If you don’t have white wine on hand, you can substitute with chicken broth or vegetable broth, but the flavor will be slightly different.
* **Let the Flavors Meld:** Allowing the sauce to simmer gently for a few minutes before adding the grouper will help the flavors to meld together and create a more complex and satisfying dish.
* **Serve Immediately:** This dish is best served immediately, while the grouper is still moist and tender and the sauce is hot and flavorful.
Variations
* **Add Vegetables:** You can add other vegetables to the sauce, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant.
* **Use Different Fish:** If you can’t find grouper, you can use other firm white fish, such as cod, halibut, or snapper.
* **Add Olives:** Kalamata olives or other briny olives would be a great addition to the sauce.
* **Make it Spicy:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicier kick.
* **Add a Creamy Touch:** Stir in a dollop of heavy cream or crème fraîche at the end for a richer, creamier sauce.
Serving Suggestions
* **Pasta:** Serve the Skillet Braised Grouper over cooked pasta, such as linguine or spaghetti.
* **Rice:** Serve the grouper with cooked rice, such as white rice, brown rice, or wild rice.
* **Couscous:** Serve the grouper with couscous, which is a great way to soak up the delicious sauce.
* **Crusty Bread:** Serve the grouper with crusty bread for dipping into the sauce.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Serve the grouper with roasted vegetables, such as asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts.
* **Salad:** Serve the grouper with a simple green salad.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
* **Calories:** 350-450 per serving (depending on portion size and ingredients used)
* **Protein:** 35-45 grams
* **Fat:** 15-25 grams
* **Carbohydrates:** 10-15 grams
Storing Leftovers
* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover Skillet Braised Grouper in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the grouper gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. Be careful not to overcook it, as it can become dry.
Recipe Card
**Skillet Braised Grouper with Tomatoes, Onions, and Capers**
A Mediterranean-inspired dish with succulent grouper braised in a rich tomato sauce.
**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 25 minutes
**Total Time:** 40 minutes
**Servings:** 4
**Ingredients:**
* 4 (6-8 ounce) grouper fillets
* 3 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 tablespoons capers, drained
* 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
* 1/2 cup dry white wine
* 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
* 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
* 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Lemon wedges (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. Pat grouper fillets dry and season with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, 5-7 minutes.
3. Add garlic and crushed red pepper flakes; cook 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in white wine, scraping up browned bits. Reduce slightly, 2-3 minutes.
5. Add crushed tomatoes and capers; bring to a simmer.
6. Place grouper in sauce, spooning sauce over the fish. Cover and reduce heat to low.
7. Braise for 8-12 minutes, or until grouper flakes easily.
8. Remove from heat, stir in basil and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve immediately with sauce. Garnish with lemon wedges if desired.
Enjoy this delicious and easy Skillet Braised Grouper with Tomatoes, Onions, and Capers! This recipe is a perfect way to bring the flavors of the Mediterranean to your home. Feel free to experiment with different variations and serving suggestions to create your own unique twist on this classic dish. Bon appétit!