Best Blackened Grouper Recipe – Easy, Spicy & Restaurant-Style
Seafood lovers know the joy of a perfectly cooked fish, and Blackened Grouper Recipe stands out as a bold and flavorful choice. This dish is not just delicious but also quick to prepare, making it perfect for a weekday dinner or a special occasion. With its crispy, spiced crust and tender, juicy flesh, blackened grouper offers an unforgettable taste experience.
Whether you are an experienced cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this Blackened Grouper Recipe will guide you step by step to achieve a perfectly seasoned and cooked fish every time. Pair it with your favorite sides, and you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal in your own home.
How to Make Blackened Grouper Recipe ?
Preparing blackened grouper involves coating the fish with a blend of aromatic spices and searing it in a hot skillet until the exterior forms a dark, flavorful crust. The key is high heat, fresh spices, and careful timing to ensure the fish stays juicy inside while developing that signature blackened exterior.

Ingredients for This Recipe
- 2 grouper fillets (6–8 oz each)
- 2 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter or olive oil
- Lemon wedges for serving
Restaurant-Style Blackened Grouper Recipe: Step-by-Step Method
Step 1: Prepare the Spice Mix: In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. This will be the blackening seasoning.
Step 2: Coat the Grouper: Pat the grouper fillets dry with a paper towel. Rub both sides generously with the spice mix, pressing lightly so the spices adhere well.
Step 3: Heat the Skillet: Place a heavy-bottomed skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add butter or olive oil and let it melt until it starts to shimmer.
Step 4: Cook the Fish: Carefully place the fillets in the hot skillet. Cook 3–4 minutes on each side without moving them, until a dark crust forms and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Step 5: Serve: Remove the fillets from the pan and let them rest for a minute. Serve with lemon wedges and your favorite side dishes.
Tips and Variations
- Best Grouper Cut: Use fresh, thick fillets for even cooking.
- Spice Level: Adjust cayenne pepper to make it mild or extra spicy.
- Cooking Method: While blackening is classic, you can also grill the fillets for a smoky flavor.
- Serving Ideas: Pair with rice, sautéed vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per fillet)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Fat: 12 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
FAQs
Q: Is blackened grouper healthy?
A: Yes, grouper is a lean source of protein and contains essential nutrients, and blackening uses minimal oil for cooking.
Q: What is the best way to prepare Black Grouper?
A: Blackening in a hot skillet with spices is the classic method, but grilling is also an option for a smoky flavor.
Q: Is grouper better grilled or blackened?
A: Both methods are delicious; blackening offers a spicy crust while grilling provides a smoky taste.
Q: What goes with blackened grouper?
A: Serve with rice, steamed vegetables, fresh salad, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Q: What is the best blackened grouper recipe?
A: The best recipe uses fresh fillets, a balanced spice mix, and high heat for a crispy, flavorful exterior.
Conclusion
The Blackened Grouper Recipe is a simple yet impressive seafood dish that combines bold flavors with a healthy preparation. With this guide, you can easily recreate a restaurant-quality meal at home, complete with a perfectly seasoned crust and juicy interior. Enjoy it with your favorite sides for a wholesome and delicious dining experience.
Best Blackened Grouper Recipe – Easy, Spicy & Restaurant-Style
Course: Seafood / DinnerCuisine: American / CajunDifficulty: Easy2 servings
servings10
minutes8
minutes250 kcal
kcalThis Blackened Grouper Recipe is a quick and flavorful seafood dish made with fresh grouper fillets coated in bold Cajun spices and cooked in a hot skillet until perfectly crispy on the outside and tender inside. Ready in under 20 minutes, this easy blackened grouper is healthy, protein-rich, and ideal for a delicious weeknight dinner or special meal at home.
Ingredients
2 grouper fillets (6–8 oz each)
2 tbsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tbsp unsalted butter or olive oil
Lemon wedges for serving
Directions
- Step 1: Prepare the Spice Mix: In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. This will be the blackening seasoning.
- Step 2: Coat the Grouper: Pat the grouper fillets dry with a paper towel. Rub both sides generously with the spice mix, pressing lightly so the spices adhere well.
- Step 3: Heat the Skillet: Place a heavy-bottomed skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add butter or olive oil and let it melt until it starts to shimmer.
- Step 4: Cook the Fish: Carefully place the fillets in the hot skillet. Cook 3–4 minutes on each side without moving them, until a dark crust forms and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Step 5: Serve: Remove the fillets from the pan and let them rest for a minute. Serve with lemon wedges and your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- Preheat the skillet properly to achieve a true blackened crust.
- Do not overcrowd the pan; cook fillets in batches if needed.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.