Pan-Seared Grouper with Citrus-Pineapple Salsa
Tender grouper fillets pan-seared to golden perfection, topped with a vibrant citrus-pineapple salsa that balances sweetness and acidity. This caribbean-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes blends fillets (6 oz each) grouper fillets, olive oil, salt into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 fillets (6 oz each) grouper fillets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup, finely diced pineapple chunks
- 1, peeled and finely chopped orange
- 1, juiced lime
- 1/2 cup, finely diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup, finely diced red onion
- 2 tbsp, chopped cilantro
- 1 small, seeded and minced jalapeño
- 1 tsp honey
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 4 grouper fillets (6 oz each) and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the fillets and sear for 4 minutes on the first side without moving them, until golden brown and edges are crispy.
- Step 3: Flip the fillets and cook for an additional 3 minutes until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Step 4: In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup finely diced pineapple chunks, 1 peeled and chopped orange, 1/2 cup finely diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 2 tbsp chopped cilantro, 1 minced small jalapeño (seeded), and 1 tsp honey.
- Step 5: Stir in the juice of 1 lime to the salsa mixture and toss gently to combine all flavors.
- Step 6: Spoon the citrus-pineapple salsa generously over each grouper fillet before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Grouper with Citrus-Pineapple Salsa take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Grouper with Citrus-Pineapple Salsa?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Grouper with Citrus-Pineapple Salsa?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Pan-Seared Grouper with Citrus-Pineapple Salsa for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Pan-Seared Grouper with Citrus-Pineapple Salsa?
Caribbean seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
