Grouper with Sour Cherry Salsa Recipe
This Grouper with Sour Cherry Salsa recipe combines flaky white fish with a vibrant sweet-and-savory cherry topping for a restaurant-quality seafood dinner that’s surprisingly simple to make at home. Featured on the hit show Fish the Dish, host Spencer Watts delivers bold flavors using juicy sour cherries, fresh herbs, and perfectly seared grouper for a dish that’s fresh, elegant, and packed with seasonal flavor.
Perfect for summer entertaining, date nights, or healthy weeknight dinners, this grouper recipe offers the ideal balance of richness, acidity, sweetness, and spice. The sour cherry salsa elevates the mild fish beautifully while adding color, texture, and a gourmet finish.
The Inspiration
Seafood and fruit pairings have long been celebrated in coastal cuisines around the world, and this dish takes inspiration from that timeless culinary tradition. The naturally buttery texture of grouper creates the perfect canvas for a bright and tangy salsa made with sour cherries, jalapeño, lime, and fresh tarragon. The result is a sophisticated yet approachable recipe that feels both comforting and elevated.
On Fish the Dish, Spencer Watts is known for combining bold flavors with easy-to-follow techniques, and this recipe is a perfect example of his signature cooking style. By pairing simple ingredients with fresh seasonal elements, this dish transforms everyday seafood into something vibrant and memorable.
Ingredients
Salsa
- 1 can (16oz. or 450g) Pitted Sour Cherries
- ¼ cup (60 ml) red onion, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeno, seeded and finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) fresh tarragon, chopped
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Method
- Strain the can of pitted sour cherries, keep both the juice and cherries separately.
- In a small sauce pan, heat the cherry juice over medium-high heat and allow to reduce by half.
- Remove from heat, and place in refrigerator to cool completely.
- In a mixing bowl, combine red onion, jalapeno, tarragon, salt and pepper.
- Roughly chop the cherries and add them to the bowl.
- Add the chilled and reduced cherry juice to the bowl, and mix well.
- Set aside for plating.
Ingredients
Grouper with Sour Cherry Salsa
- 4 portions of Grouper (6oz. or 180g each)
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) canola oil, or non-stick cooking spray
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Sour Cherry Salsa
Method
- Preheat oven to 350oF (180oC).
- Heat oil in large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
- Season fish with salt and pepper.
- Place grouper in hot skillet, and cook for 2-3 minutes or until slightly golden.
- Flip and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Place skillet in the hot oven and finish cooking 3-4 minutes.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately.
- Top the fish off with the Sour Cherry Salsa.
- Serve with Rainbow Zuchini Noodles. See recipe.
Serving Suggestions
If you’re hosting a summer dinner party, pair this seafood recipe with chilled white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or an unoaked Chardonnay. The acidity of the wine balances the sweetness of the cherries while enhancing the freshness of the lime and herbs.
For a more substantial meal, serve the grouper over herbed couscous, wild rice, or creamy mashed potatoes. The extra sauce from the salsa naturally coats the sides and adds incredible flavor throughout the dish.
This recipe also makes a stunning centerpiece for date nights, holiday dinners, or backyard entertaining because of its vibrant colors and gourmet presentation. The bright red cherries against the golden seared fish create an eye-catching plate that feels upscale yet approachable.
Final Thoughts
This Grouper with Sour Cherry Salsa recipe is a celebration of fresh seafood, bold seasonal flavors, and simple cooking techniques that create unforgettable results. By combining flaky pan-seared grouper with a bright and tangy cherry salsa, Spencer Watts brings together elegance and comfort in true Fish the Dish style.
The sweet-tart balance of the cherries, the freshness of lime and tarragon, and the subtle heat from jalapeño make every bite layered and exciting. It’s a seafood recipe that feels refined enough for entertaining while remaining easy enough for home cooks to master confidently.
Whether you’re looking to expand your seafood repertoire, impress guests with a vibrant dinner, or simply enjoy a healthier homemade meal packed with flavor, this grouper recipe delivers on every level. Once you try the combination of rich fish and bright cherry salsa, it’s sure to become a standout addition to your favorite seafood dinners.