Bacon-Wrapped Grouper Bites with Spicy Peppercorn Ranch Dip
- Gluten-Free
- Dairy-Free
- Paleo
- Low Carb
- Keto
- Whole30
After my recent vacation to the Gulf Coast where I’m pretty sure I ate grouper for almost every meal (not an exaggeration), I came back and realized that I had ZERO grouper recipes on this site. What?? And it’s grouper season! I knew I needed to change that. And there is no better way to start of my grouper recipes than with this gem! I meannnnnn, bacon. And spicy ranch. You just can’t go wrong.
If you’re looking for a great appetizer for your next party or just a fun weekend main course, then this is your recipe!! It’s super simple to make and comes together in just 25 minutes! No slaving away in the kitchen with this one.
I love this recipe because it is full of amazing flavors, but also because it caters to a wide variety of diets! It is really a crowd-pleaser! While these delicious little bites are not low fat or low calorie, they are paleo, Whole30-approved, gluten free, dairy free, low carb, and even keto! The only thing they aren’t is vegan 😜.
Equipment Needed:
- Glass measuring cup (I use a 2 cup measure)
- Immersion blender (I LOVE this one!!)
- Baking sheet
- Large skillet
- 4″ bamboo skewers (can also use sturdy toothpicks, but the skewers hold everything together better since they are thicker)
- Fish spatula
- Serving platter and dish for dip
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Bacon-Wrapped Grouper Bites with Spicy Peppercorn Ranch Dip
- Gluten-Free
- Dairy-Free
- Paleo
- Low Carb
- Keto
- Whole30
Ingredients
Spicy Peppercorn Ranch Dip
- 1/2 cup avocado oil
- 2 egg yolks
- 2 Tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 Tbsp unsweetened almond milk
- 1 large clove garlic chopped
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dijon mustard
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper*
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 2 Tbsp chopped dill
- 2 Tbsp chopped flat leaf parsley
- 2 Tbsp chopped chives
- Garnish: red pepper flakes and extra chives
Bacon-Wrapped Grouper Bites
- 1.5 lb grouper fillets cut into 1" chunks
- 3/4 lb sugar-free bacon cut crosswise (thin/normal sliced bacon recommended**)
Instructions
Spicy Peppercorn Ranch Dip
- Place all ingredients except the fresh herbs (dill, parsley, and chives) in a glass measuring cup and blend up with an immersion blender for about 30 seconds.
- Add in herbs, stir, then pulse with the immersion blender until just broken up. Don't blend too much or your ranch dip will be green!
- Cover and refrigerate until needed. Garnish with red pepper flakes and extra chives just before serving.
Bacon-Wrapped Grouper Bites
- Preheat oven to 475ºF (218ºC) with baking sheet inside. You want the baking sheet to be hot when you add the grouper bites.
- Place bacon slices in a large skillet over medium heat and cook, flipping when needed, until lightly browned but still soft enough (and long enough) to wrap around fish pieces.
- Carefully wrap bacon tightly around fish pieces and secure with 4" bamboo skewers.
- When oven is finished preheating, remove the baking sheet, quickly place grouper bites on it and return to the oven on a lower rack.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes or until the fish is cooked through.
- Use a spatula to remove to serving platter. If you have any sticking, just gently work the spatula under the bites to remove.
- Serve hot with spicy peppercorn ranch dip. They are not very good if left out much longer than 30 minutes, so keep that in mind if serving for a crowd.
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Notes
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