Pan-Seared Grouper with Mango Salsa and Coconut Rice
A vibrant seafood dish featuring tender pan-seared grouper topped with a fresh mango salsa, served alongside fragrant coconut-infused jasmine rice. This seafood ready in about 40 minutes blends fillets (6 oz each) grouper fillets, kosher salt, black pepper 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 420 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
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium, diced ripe mango
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 small, seeded and minced jalapeño
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse 1 cup jasmine rice under cold water until water runs clear. Combine rinsed rice, 1 cup coconut milk, 1 cup water, and 1/2 tsp salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes.
- Step 2: While rice cooks, season 4 grouper fillets evenly with 1 tsp kosher salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper on both sides.
- Step 3: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the grouper fillets and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 145°F. Remove from skillet and keep warm.
- Step 4: In a medium bowl, combine 1 diced medium mango, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 2 tbsp chopped cilantro, 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice, and 1 minced small jalapeño. Mix gently until well combined.
- Step 5: Fluff the coconut rice with a fork and serve alongside the pan-seared grouper topped generously with the fresh mango salsa.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Grouper with Mango Salsa and Coconut Rice take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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 Mango Salsa and Coconut Rice?
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 Mango Salsa and Coconut Rice?
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 Mango Salsa and Coconut Rice 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 Mango Salsa and Coconut Rice?
Seafood 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.
