Blackened Grouper

No, your eyes aren't playing tricks on you. That is really fish in my blog. I have said many times that I'm not a fan of fish. But my husband really likes it. Whenever we go to restaurants, he often gets fish and usually convinces me to try a bite. Most of the time I think it's good, depending on how it's prepared, but wouldn't order it off the menu just for myself. It's just not one of my favorite meals. I really do want to like fish because I know it's so good for you. So, I decided I'd give it another try and make this blackened grouper since that's one of my husband's favorite dishes. It was actually pretty good. Again, not my favorite meal ever but definitely something I can eat. I really enjoyed the Cajun spice seasoning that I made to go on it. It provided great flavor to the fish.

Blackened Grouper

4 grouper fillets
2-3 Tbsp butter
4 Tbsp Cajun Spice Mix (recipe follows)

Melt the butter in a large non-stick pan. Season both sides of the fillets with the spice mix. Place the fish in the hot pan and cook for about 4 minutes on each side or until fish begins to flake. Serve with lemon wedges if desired.

Cajun Spice Mix

Ingredients

3 tablespoons paprika
2 tablespoons ground red pepper
2 tablespoons dried thyme
2 tablespoons dried oregano
2 tablespoons onion powder
2 tablespoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 tablespoon sugar

Preparation

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl.

*The remaining spice mix can be stored in an airtight container to use in other recipes.

Source for the Cajun Spice Mix: Cooking Light

Something's Fishy

I don't usually eat fish...of any kind. But I did as a kid and one of my favorite things that my mom used to make was salmon patties. I haven't had them in years, but when I saw them on a food blog the other day it made me want to try them again. So I decided that's what we would have for dinner tonight along with rice and steamed broccoli. I didn't find out until I was starting dinner that my husband, who loves fish, doesn't like salmon. Great. I told him if I could try them then he had to try them and if he didn't like them he could eat a grilled cheese sandwich. : P They turned out good but I think I've decided I'm just really not a fish person. I have tried and tried to like it but in the end, it's just not one of my favorite foods. It was different and the flavors were good so I guess if I was a fish lover, I'd call this a great meal.

Salmon Patties

1 can pink salmon, flaked, bones and skin removed
1/2 cup plain bread crumbs
1 egg
1 tsp Old Bay Seasoning
1 tsp dried parsley
1/2 cup chopped onions
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
olive oil


Begin by sauteing the chopped onions in a pan with a little olive oil for about 5 min. Then combine the onions with the salmon, bread crumbs, egg, and seasonings in a bowl. Form into patties. In a skillet, heat enough olive oil to cover the bottom of the pan. Place salmon patties in the pan and cook on each side for 3-5 min. They should be golden brown. Drain the excess oil off the patties by placing them on a plate with paper towels.



For the rice I just sauteed 1/2 cup chopped onions and 1/2 a chopped green bell pepper in some olive oil. Then I added cooked brown rice to the pan, 1/2 cup chicken broth, and salt and pepper. Let it heat through for a couple minutes.