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45 minutes Medium

Grouper Fritter Sandwich

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This dish screams “take me to Key West!!!”

If you’ve ever been, you know what I’m talking about. And if not, well, this is what Key West tastes like: fresh fish, deep fried goodness, vibrant vegetables, and citrus.

While grouper’s cousin and shell habitué, conch, made being prepared in fritter form famous, really any type of seafood works. Grouper, being one of the tastiest and most versatile fish in the sea, is perfect for being prepared in fritter form. The fritter batter is made with ground grouper, diced onion and red bell pepper, chopped fresh thyme, cilantro, and parsley, egg yolk, beer, and flour. It’s then fried golden brown in oil and topped with a homemade cilantro, lime, and sriracha sauce and green leaf lettuce. All of this is served between a toasted sesame bun.

What is grouper?

Grouper is a popular fish known for its mild, delicate flavor and firm texture. It belongs to the Epinephelidae family, which includes various species found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world. Grouper is highly sought after by both recreational anglers and commercial fishermen due to its culinary appeal.

Here are some key characteristics and facts about grouper:

  • Appearance: Grouper typically have a stocky, elongated body with a large mouth and a prominent lower jaw. They have a variety of colors and patterns, depending on the species, ranging from shades of brown and gray to vibrant reds and yellows.
  • Size: Grouper species vary in size, with some smaller species measuring around 12 inches (30 cm), while larger species can reach lengths of several feet and weigh over 500 pounds (227 kg). The size of grouper is often a factor in local fishing regulations to help preserve the population.
  • Habitat: Grouper are commonly found in rocky reefs, coral reefs, and other underwater structures, typically at depths ranging from shallow coastal areas to several hundred feet. They prefer warm waters and are frequently encountered in the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, the Mediterranean, and the waters around Southeast Asia.
  • Diet: Grouper are carnivorous and feed on a variety of prey, including fish, crustaceans, and squid. They are opportunistic hunters, often ambushing their prey using their powerful jaws to swallow it whole.
  • Fishing and Conservation: Grouper is a prized catch for many recreational fishermen and is also commercially important. Due to overfishing and habitat destruction, some species of grouper have faced population declines in certain regions. As a result, regulations and fishing restrictions have been implemented to protect and sustain grouper populations.
  • Culinary Use: Grouper is highly regarded for its culinary qualities. Its flesh is white, lean, and flaky, making it versatile for various cooking methods, including grilling, baking, broiling, and frying. Grouper has a mild flavor that is often compared to snapper or halibut, and it readily absorbs the flavors of marinades, seasonings, and sauces.
  • Popular Grouper Species: There are numerous species of grouper, each with its own unique characteristics. Some of the most well-known species include the red grouper, black grouper, gag grouper, and yellowfin grouper. These species can be found in different regions and have varying availability and regulations.

When selecting grouper for consumption, it is recommended to choose sustainably sourced and responsibly caught fish to support conservation efforts and ensure the long-term health of grouper populations.

Overall, grouper is a highly regarded fish appreciated for its mild flavor, versatility in cooking, and its presence in both recreational and commercial fishing.

Grouper Fritter Sandwich

5.0 from 1 vote
Course: MainsCuisine: American, FloribbeanDifficulty: Medium
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking time

40

minutes
Total time

1

hour 

10

minutes

Freshly ground grouper formed into fritter patties that are deep fried and served on a bun with a homemade cilantro, lime, and sriracha sauce

Ingredients

  • Grouper Fritters
  • 1 pound grouper

  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced

  • 1/2 cup onion, diced

  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped

  • 1 teaspoon fresh cilantro, chopped

  • 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

  • 1 large lime, juiced

  • 1/2 cup flour

  • 1 separated egg yolk

  • 1/2 cup beer

  • 3-4 cups oil (for frying)

  • Grouper Fritter Sauce
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise

  • 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped

  • 1 clove garlic, minced

  • 1 large lime, zested

  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce

  • 1 tablespoon sriracha

  • Grouper Fritter Sandwich
  • 1 patty grouper fritter

  • 1 whole sesame seed bun, toasted

  • 2 tablespoons grouper fritter sauce

  • 2 leaves green leaf lettuce

Directions

  • Add grouper to a food processor and pulse until roughly ground. Transfer to a mixing bowl.
  • In a mixing bowl with the grouper, add the remaining prepared grouper fritter ingredients, except for the frying oil: red bell pepper, onion, thyme, cilantro, parsley, salt, pepper, lime juice, flour, egg yolk, and beer. Mix until thoroughly combined. You may need to get your hands dirty during this step. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the consistency set.
  • In a separate mixing bowl, combine the grouper fritter sauce ingredients: mayonnaise, cilantro, garlic, lime, soy sauce, and sriracha. Set aside.
  • In a deep skillet or frying pan (I used a cast iron skillet), add 3-4 cups of oil, until the depth of the oil reaches approximately 1 inch. Heat over medium-high heat until the oil is shimmering.
  • Form the grouper fritter dough into equal sized balls – with an approximately 3 inch diameter. Carefully place each into the hot oil, and fry 3-4 minutes on either side. Press down with a spatula to form into sandwich sized patties.
  • Toast a sesame seed sandwich bun.
  • To assemble each sandwich, place a grouper fritter patty, a couple of slices of green leaf lettuce, and a couple of tablespoons of the grouper fritter sauce between a toasted sesame seed bun.

Introducing Palate Passport™

On this episode, join us on an extensive and unforgettable adventure as we delve deep into the vibrant culinary scene of Mexico City, a metropolis where ancient traditions meet modern innovation. From bustling street food markets to world-renowned restaurants, discover why Mexico City is an essential destination for food lovers around the globe!

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