Home Mains Spicy Cajun Grouper Reuben
Spicy Cajun Grouper Reuben served on toasted ciabatta, featuring blackened Cajun-spiced grouper, tangy sauerkraut, melted Swiss cheese, and creamy thousand island dressing for a bold and flavorful twist on the classic sandwich
35 minutes Medium

Spicy Cajun Grouper Reuben

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The Spicy Grouper Reuben is an exceptional sandwich that tantalizes the palate with its rich medley of flavors and textures. At its heart is a nice fillet of grouper, a fish revered for its mild taste and firmness. When seasoned with a vibrant homemade Cajun spice mix, it bursts with feelings of warmth and flavors of spice. The fish is seared, locking in its moistness and ensuring each bite is infused with bold Cajun flavors including paprika, garlic, onion, and a hint of cayenne.

Contrasting the spiced fish is the Cajun remoulade sauce – a creamy, zesty, and spicy masterpiece. This sauce, marrying mayonnaise with Creole mustard, lemon juice, and a blend of Cajun spices, envelops the palate with a delightful tanginess. Its subtle heat complements the fish’s seasoning nicely. This remoulade is not just a condiment but a central character in the sandwich’s flavor story, elevating it new heights.

The choice of ciabatta bread brings a necessary textural contrast. Unlike traditional Reuben bread, ciabatta offers a delightful crunch with its crisp crust while yielding to a soft, airy interior. This creates a perfect balance against the tender fish and creamy remoulade sauce. Lightly toasted with extra virgin olive oil, ciabatta bread provides a perfect vessel for the sandwich’s fillings.


What Does Grouper Taste Like?

Grouper is highly regarded for its mild, sweet flavor and firm texture. The latter makes it versatile for various cooking methods and popular among many seafood enthusiasts. It doesn’t have the strong “fishy” taste that some seafood possesses. This mildness makes it a versatile fish that can be enjoyed even by those who are generally hesitant about eating seafood. When properly cooked, grouper meat is moist and can have a slightly buttery quality. This texture, combined with its subtle sweetness, contributes to its overall palatability and appeal.


Swiss cheese adds a layer of indulgence with its melt-in-your-mouth texture and mild, nutty flavor. As it gently melts over the warm grouper, it binds the flavors together in a delicious, cheesy embrace while adding a smooth and comforting element to the sandwich.

The inclusion of sauerkraut introduces a necessary tang and crunch, cutting through the richness of the sandwich and balancing its flavors with its pickled zest. Its presence is a nod to the classic Reuben, adding a traditional element to this otherwise inventive creation.

Every bite of this Spicy Cajun Grouper Reuben offers a dynamic taste experience. The interplay of the seasoned, juicy grouper with the spicy, tangy remoulade, the crunchy, toasted ciabatta, the creamy Swiss cheese, and the sharp sauerkraut creates a delicious symphony of flavors. Each component shines on its own, yet together, they create a cohesive and delectable whole.

This sandwich goes beyond the ordinary, offering a unique and memorable eating experience. It’s a dish that speaks to the adventurous eater, appealing to anyone who appreciates bold flavors and varied textures. Perfect for a hearty lunch or a satisfying dinner, this Grouper Reuben sandwich is not just food, but a celebration of culinary creativity and flavor fusion.

Spicy Cajun Grouper Reuben

5.0 from 1 vote
Course: MainsCuisine: Cajun, FusionDifficulty: Medium
Servings

2

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

20

minutes
Total time

35

minutes

The Spicy Grouper Reuben Sandwich is a flavorful delight, featuring a perfectly seasoned and seared grouper fillet topped with tangy sauerkraut and melted Swiss cheese, all sandwiched between toasted ciabatta bread and complemented by a zesty Cajun remoulade sauce.

Ingredients

  • 2 fillets of grouper

  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 2 tablespoons Cajun remoulade sauce

  • 1 cup sauerkraut

  • 4 slices Swiss cheese

  • 2 split ciabatta rolls

  • For the Cajun Remoulade Sauce
  • 1 cup mayonnaise

  • 1 tablespoon dijon mustard

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

  • 1 clove garlic, minced

  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce

  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 teaspoon paprika

  • to taste, salt and ground black pepper

  • For the Cajun Seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons paprika

  • 1 tablespoon onion powder

  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder

  • 1 tablespoon dried thyme

  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano

  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

  • 1 teaspoon salt

Directions

  • Prepare the Cajun Seasoning:
    Mix all Cajun seasoning ingredients in a bowl. Store any extra in an airtight container.
  • Prepare the Cajun Remoulade Sauce:
    In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, dijon mustard, lemon juice, minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and ground black pepper. Mix well and refrigerate until ready for use.
  • Season and Cook the Grouper:
    Season the grouper fillets generously with the Cajun seasoning. In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Cook the fillets for 3-4 minutes per side, until a golden crispy crust develops. Set aside.
  • Toast the Ciabatta:
    Drizzle the ciabatta rolls with extra virgin olive oil and toast them until golden brown.
  • Assemble the Sandwiches:
    Spread cajun remoulade sauce on both halves of the ciabatta rolls. Place a slice of Swiss cheese on one side, and top with a grouper fillet, another slice of Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut. Cover with the top halves of the ciabatta.

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