Pan Roasted Grouper with Nut Topping

Ingredients

2 Pieces of Fresh Black Grouper ( 6-8 oz each) 

1-2 Tbs Oil 

2 Tablespoons of chopped nuts (almonds, macadamia)

1/2 tsp lemon pepper seasoning 

salt & pepper

parsley or chives for garnish

Method 

Preheat the oven to 400F

Mix the nuts and seasoning together. 

Brushed a little oil on the top side of the fish, and press the nut mixture into it. 

Salt & pepper. 

Heat a medium sized, oven proof saute pan.  Add the oil.  Then place the fish in, nut side down and cook on medium high for about 3-4 minutes till lightly browned. 

Then flip the fish over in the pan, and then immediately, put the pan in the oven uncovered. Don't cook the second side as it will finish in the oven. 

Let it cook for 8 -10 minutes depending on how thick the piece of fish is. 

Start with 8 minutes and check.  Less is better as overcooked fish can be very dry.

Carefully take the pan out of the oven and serve. The fish keeps cooking a bit when you take it out - so get it out of the hot pan. 

BE CAREFUL NOT TO TOUCH THE HANDLE - IT IS HOT HOT HOT. 

SO KEEP A T-TOWEL, OR OVEN MITT OVER IT TO REMIND YOURSELF AND OTHERS NOT TO GRAB IT.

I like doing grouper, halibut and salmon like this when it is a thick piece of fish. If the fish is really thin like snapper or sole, it's better just pan fried, baked or broiled.