Crunchy Grouper as prepared by Chef/Owner Bryan Sutton at The Rooster in Naples, Florida, as seen in Food Network's Diners Drive- Ins and Dives, season 40.
Recipe courtesy of The Rooster Food + Drink

Rooster Almond Crunchy Grouper with Pineapple Farro and Mango Chutney Sauce

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  • Level: Intermediate
  • Total: 1 hr 35 min
  • Active: 35 min
  • Yield: 6 servings
This dish may look complicated, but when broken down into steps, it is fairly simple. The grouper can be breaded ahead of time and held in the refrigerator. Mango chutney sauce can be made in advance and kept for up to a week (it goes great with a lot of things!). The farro can be done ahead, also. Main thing: Have fun with food!

Ingredients

Mango Chutney Sauce:

Pineapple Farro:

Grouper:

Directions

  1. For the mango chutney sauce: Place the mayonnaise, chutney, sambal and lemon juice in a bowl and mix well. Store in a container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
  2. For the pineapple farro: Boil 2 quarts salted water and add the farro. Boil until it softens but has a slight chew, approximately 30 minutes. Rinse and reserve.
  3. Place the peppers, onion and pineapple in a medium saucepan. Add the chicken broth and the reserved farro. Bring to a simmer until heated through and the peppers are soft, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. For the grouper: Place the cornstarch, egg wash (whole eggs plus water) and ground cornflakes into 3 separate bowls. Lightly dredge the grouper in the cornstarch, then dip in the egg wash. Shake off the excess egg wash and place in the cornflakes. Coat well, then set the breaded grouper on a plate until ready to cook.
  5. Preheat a convection oven to 375 degrees F.
  6. Place the clarified butter in a large cold skillet. Add the almonds, benne seeds, red pepper flakes and ginger. Place the grouper on top. Turn the burner on medium-high and begin to brown the nuts. When the nut mixture starts to sizzle a little, place the in the oven and cook for 8 minutes. Carefully flip the grouper and cook until the fish is flaky and golden brown, another 8 minutes.
  7. Serve the grouper with the mango chutney and pineapple farro.