Ingredients:

  • 1.5 lbs fresh grouper fillets
  • 1 tsp fine sea salt
  • 0.5 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh Italian parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 large lemon, zested and sliced into rounds
  • 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the remaining lemon into rounds and layer them on the bottom of your baking dish.
  2. In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, thyme, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes. Use a fork to mash the ingredients into a uniform paste.
  3. Pat the grouper fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with fine sea salt and black pepper.
  4. Place the seasoned fillets on top of the lemon slices. Spread the lemon-herb butter mixture generously over the top of each fillet to create a protective fat barrier.
  5. Bake for 12–15 minutes until the butter is bubbling and the fish flakes with a fork.
  6. Allow the fish to rest for 3 minutes before serving. This allows the muscle fibers to relax and retain their moisture.