Restaurant-quality grilled grouper from your own kitchen?

For best results, use a metal grill spatula.

What Is Grouper?

Southern Living Grilled Grouper on a platter ready to serve

Credit:Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless

They’re saltwater fish found in warm, tropical waters around the world like the Gulf of Mexico.

The taste is similar to bass or halibut.

It should have nothing stronger than a mild, sea-like odor.

Southern Living Grilled Grouper ingredients

Credit:Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless

check that the fish is sitting on fresh, flaked ice.

If in doubt, ask your fishmonger about the grouper’s freshness before purchasing.

This grilled grouper is delicious, easy to make, and just a little bit unique.

Southern Living Grilled Grouper on a plate to serve

Credit:Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless

OneSouthern Livingcommunity member said, “I made this with grouper straight off the boat.

I was looking for a great recipe to showcase this expensive fish …

It was so good!”

Southern Living Grilled Grouper whisking together the lemon juice, oil, and salt

Credit:Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless

AnotherSouthern Livingcommunity member commented, “This recipe was so easy and fish was wonderful!

I will definitely use this recipe again!”

For a light meal, plate the grilled grouper on top of a seasonal green salad with fresh tomatoes.

Southern Living Grilled Grouper coating the grouper with lemon juice and olive oil

Credit:Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless

The caper dressing can be doubled and used as a salad dressing for greens or freshly boiled potatoes.

double-check to bring the internal temperature of the fish to 165F before serving.

skinless grouper fillets

2Tbsp.drained capers, coarsely chopped

1large scallion, finely chopped (about 2 Tbsp.)

Southern Living Grilled Grouper stirring together the caper mixture for the topping

Credit:Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless

Prepare the grill:

Preheat a grill to medium-high (400F to 450F).

Add grouper fillets, and toss gently to coat.

Let stand 15 minutes.

Southern Living Grilled Grouper adding the grouper to the hot grill

Credit:Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless

Transfer fillets to a platter, and drizzle with caper mixture.

If desired, garnish with additional lemon zest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Soaking fish is often done to remove any fishy odors.

Southern Living Grilled Grouper after flipping the fish on the grill

Credit:Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless

For a delicate, mild fish like grouper, soaking is not recommended.

Grouper may become rubbery if overcooked.

Cook the grouper until opaque and flakes easily, and the internal temperature reaches 145F.

Southern Living Grilled Grouper on a platter to serve

Credit:Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless