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    Home » Dinner » Main Dishes

    Grouper Reuben

    Published: Oct 31, 2020 · Updated: Nov 1, 2020 · Leave a Comment

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe Save Recipe Saved!
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    This grouper Reuben sandwich is a fishy take on a classic deli-style Reuben! It’s piled high with broiled grouper, sauerkraut, and a homemade yogurt-based Russian dressing.

    Grouper Reuben on a Plate

    Have you been cooking at home more than usual?

    I have been.

    And guys, when you’re cooking dinner every single day, it can get a little bit boring.

    To help battle dinner-time boredom, I’ve been trying to include a few make-at-home versions of my favorite restaurant meals.

    If you follow my Instagram stories, you’ve probably seen some of my DIY take-out meals make recurring appearances. We’ve been eating these deconstructed sushi bowls on repeat.

    One of my restaurant favorites is a fish Reuben. It’s just like a classic Deli-style Reuben, but with fish instead of corned beef.

    I love making cod Reubens, because cod is easy to find locally, but my first fish Reuben was at a seaside Florida café and included (you guessed it) grouper.

    This grouper Reuben is an easy seafood sandwich that will make you feel like you’re enjoying a fish sandwich at the beach. Sand and sunburn not included.

    Want more seafood sandwich ideas? Try making slow-roasted salmon sandwiches, salmon sandwiches with Dijon sauce, salmon burgers with avocado sauce, and smoked fish sliders.

    What Does Grouper Taste Like?

    Grouper is a mild, meaty, dense white fish.

    This fish plays nice with the strong flavors in the Reuben, such as sauerkraut and Russian dressing.

    What Can I Use Instead of Grouper?

    Can’t find grouper?

    Swap another dense or flaky white fish, such as cod.

    Prepare Russian Dressing + Sauerkraut
    Prepare Russian Dressing + Sauerkraut

    Sauerkraut or Coleslaw for a Grouper Reuben?

    When I see fish Reubens on restaurant menus, they’re often served with coleslaw instead of the traditional sauerkraut.

    I’ve tried this sandwich both ways and definitely prefer the sauerkraut version, especially when I can use my homemade sauerkraut. That said, if you’re not into kraut, feel free to swap slaw.

    Can I Use Thousand Island Instead of Russian Dressing?

    You can, but know that they’re not the same thing.

    Thousand Island dressing is sweet and Russian dressing is spicy.

    How to Cook the Grouper

    I like to broil the grouper for this sandwich because it’s a quick, hands-off method.

    Simply brush the fish with oil, sprinkle with a little salt, and place it in an oven-safe pan. I use this Lodge 12″ carbon steel skillet.

    Cook the grouper under a broiler for about nine minutes per inch of thickness until it’s tender and opaque.

    Brush Grouper with Oil
    Brush Grouper with Oil
    Broil Grouper Until Tender
    Broil Grouper Until Tender

    Assemble the Grouper Reubens

    After the fish is cooked, make the sandwiches.

    Layer Russian dressing, sauerkraut, grouper, and Swiss cheese onto rye bread.

    Prepare the Sandwiches
    Prepare the Sandwiches

    Grilling Grouper Reubens

    Next, melt butter in a hot pan. I simply wipe out the pan I used to cook the fish and reuse it now.

    Add the sandwiches to the pan and cook for about two minutes per side, until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted.

    Grill Until the Bread is Golden
    Grill Until the Bread is Golden

    Serve your grouper Reubens right away along with some crispy oven fries and a dill pickle.

    Grouper Reuben on a Plate
    Grouper Reuben on a Plate
    Print Recipe Save Recipe Saved!
    5 from 2 votes

    Grouper Reuben

    This grouper Reuben sandwich is a fishy take on a classic deli-style Reuben! It’s piled high with broiled grouper, sauerkraut, and a homemade yogurt-based Russian dressing.
    Author: Sarah Trenalone
    Prep Time5 mins
    Cook Time15 mins
    Total Time20 mins
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Servings: 2 people
    Calories: 491kcal
    Freezer Friendly?

    No

    Will It Keep?

    No

    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    Grouper:

    • 8 ounces grouper (2 fillets)
    • small pinch salt
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil

    Russian Yogurt Sauce:

    • ½ cup whole milk plain yogurt
    • 2 green onions, diced
    • ⅛ cup diced red onion
    • 1 tablespoon relish (dill or sweet)
    • 1 tablespoon horseradish root, freshly grated (or sub prepared)
    • 1 teaspoon tomato paste
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon paprika or smoked paprika

    Reuben:

    • 4 slices rye bread preferably Jewish rye
    • ½ cup sauerkraut
    • 2 slices Swiss cheese (optional), add more if desired
    • 1 tablespoon butter

    Instructions

    Cook the Grouper:

    • Move an oven rack to about 4" away from the broiler.
      Preheat broiler to high. Brush grouper with half the oil, and then sprinkle with salt. Add remaining oil to an oven-safe pan or casserole dish.
      Slide the pan into the oven.
      Brush Grouper with Oil
    • Cook grouper for 9 minutes per 1" thickness, or until the fish is opaque and the edges are beginning to brown.
      Do not flip the fish halfway through cooking.
      Broil Grouper Until Tender

    Prepare Ingredients:

    • Combine all ingredients for Russian dressing.  Taste dressing: add more salt if it tastes bland, and/or more horseradish if you prefer it spicier.  Set aside.
      Get the bread, cheese, and sauerkraut ready.
      Prepare Russian Dressing + Sauerkraut

    Grill the Sandwiches:

    • Prepare sandwiches by layering one slice of bread, a thick layer of the Russian sauce, sauerkraut, the grouper, cheese, and another piece of bread.  
      You'll likely have extra dressing. Refrigerate leftover dressing and use it within a week.
      If the grouper is too small for the bread, you can flake it apart with a fork and spread it across the bread.
      Prepare the Sandwiches
    • Add butter to pan and melt over medium heat.
      Grill sandwiches about 2 minutes per side, until each side is golden and the cheese is melted.  Serve immediately.
      Grill Until the Bread is Golden

    Notes

    Can’t find grouper?  Swap another dense white fish (like cod or halibut).

    Nutrition

    Calories: 491kcal (25%) | Carbohydrates: 37g (12%) | Protein: 35g (70%) | Fat: 23g (35%) | Saturated Fat: 10g (63%) | Cholesterol: 81mg (27%) | Sodium: 1438mg (63%) | Potassium: 861mg (25%) | Fiber: 5g (21%) | Sugar: 7g (8%) | Vitamin A: 848IU (17%) | Vitamin C: 9mg (11%) | Calcium: 300mg (30%) | Iron: 3mg (17%)
    Tried this recipe?Leave a comment and rating below!
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    About Sarah Trenalone

    Sarah is the primary creator at Champagne Tastes. She's a photographer, food writer and traveler, and is certified in Backcountry Kitchen and Backcountry Navigation from the Colorado Outward Bound School and Identifying Wild Plants from Backpacker.

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    Hi, I'm Sarah! I'm a traveler who loves to eat.   Follow along to join me on my next adventure-- in food or on the road.

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