Crunchy Grouper
Crispy, flavorful grouper fillets coated with crushed Ritz crackers and baked to perfection, ideal for seafood lovers seeking a crunchy, savory main dish with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the Ritz crackers in a brown paper bag and crush them into fine crumbs.
- Brush the grouper pieces with melted butter and season with salt and pepper.
- Dip each piece of fish into the crushed cracker crumbs, pressing gently to coat evenly.
- Arrange the coated grouper pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until the fish is cooked through and the crust is golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra flavor boost, try adding some garlic powder or paprika to the cracker crumbs. If you don't have Ritz crackers, any buttery cracker or panko breadcrumbs will work as a substitute. Ensure the grouper is fresh; frozen fish can be used but should be thawed thoroughly before cooking for the best texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the crunchy grouper with a side of lemon wedges for a zesty touch. It pairs beautifully with Scalloped Onions And Peas or a simple salad for a light meal. For a heartier option, consider pairing it with Carol'S Microwave Potatoes for a complete dinner experience.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, place the baked grouper in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the fish on a baking sheet and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to keep the crust crunchy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crunchy Grouper contains roughly 62 calories, with 10g protein, 1g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of fish for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute grouper with other firm white fish such as tilapia or cod. Just ensure the cooking time is adjusted according to the thickness of the fish pieces.
What can I do if I don't have butter?
If you're out of butter, you can use olive oil or a margarine alternative. Both will help the cracker crumbs adhere to the fish while providing a nice flavor.
How do I know when the grouper is fully cooked?
The grouper is fully cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). The crust should also be golden brown for the best texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).