Partner Post: The Florida Keys is home to five districts, each with their own personality and attractions that make visitors feel like they are a world away.
Caught right off the coast, here’s how to make Key West’s favorite crispy grouper fritters.
While you may have heard of Key West’s conch fritters, which is fried conch meat that actually native to the Caribbean, Key West fisherman and chef Paul Menta prefers to make grouper fritters. Fisherman of Key West are able to catch the grouper right off the coast, so this is a true local specialty.
Similar to the conch fritter, the grouper is mixed with onions carrots and a traditional Key West seafood seasoning by Key West Spice Company that is made of celery seed, salt, paprika, and red pepper. It is simple, but fresh grouper doesn’t need an overpowering of flavors. Once the batter is made, Paul fries the fish balls until golden and enjoys them inside of a sandwich or as an appetizer by the water.
Click here to read more about Paul’s favorite bites in Key West. 
Key West’s Grouper Fritters
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Diet: Omnivore, Pescatarian
Description
Crispy Key West grouper fritters—a taste of the Florida Keys! Perfect as an appetizer or sandwich filling.
Ingredients
- 1 lbs (454 g) Grouper
- 0.5 cups (118 ml) Onions
- 0.5 cups (118 ml) Carrots
- 1.5 tbsp Key West seafood seasoning
- 1 Egg yolk
- 2 tbsp Key lime juice
- 0.5 cups (118 ml) Flour
- Coconut oil
Instructions
- Chop the grouper using a knife or food processor.
- Finely dice the onions and carrots, then mix them with the grouper.
- Add 1½ tablespoons of Key West seafood seasoning.
- Mix everything together with 1 egg yolk and 2 tablespoons of key lime juice.
- Add ½ cup of flour until a batter forms.
- Use a spoon to form balls, then fry them in coconut oil until brown or bake them on a sheet tray in the oven.
- For larger portions, suitable for sandwiches, make larger balls.
Notes
- Ensure the grouper is completely dry before mixing to promote extra crispy fritters.
- For a zestier fritter, add a teaspoon of grated lime zest along with the lime juice.
- Leftover fritters can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated in a non-stick pan or air fryer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 fritters
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 300
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Unsaturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 15
- Cholesterol: 50
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of grouper should I use for the fritters?
For the best results, use fresh grouper caught off the coast of Key West if possible, as it will provide the best flavor and texture.
How do I achieve the right consistency for the batter?
The batter should be thick enough to hold the grouper and vegetables together without being too runny; you can adjust by adding more flour if needed.
What kind of seafood seasoning is recommended for the fritters?
Use a traditional Key West seafood seasoning, which typically includes celery seed, salt, paprika, and red pepper, to enhance the natural flavor of the fresh grouper.
