Cornmeal-Crusted Grouper

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup fresh or panko (Japanese) breadcrumbs
• 3/4 cup white or yellow cornmeal
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
• Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 large eggs
• lightly beaten
• 4 to 6 (6-ounce) grouper fillets (about 3/4 inch thick)
• 6 tablespoons canola oil
• Lemon wedges
• for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 500F.
2. Position an oven rack in the upper third of the oven.
3. Combine the breadcrumbs, cornmeal, cayenne, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper in a large sealable plastic bag, and shake to mix.
4. Place the beaten eggs in a shallow dish.
5. Season the fish with salt and pepper on both sides.
6. Working with one fillet at a time, place the fish in the bag and shake to coat well with crumbs.
7. Dip the fish into the eggs, then shake in the crumbs again to coat.
8. Transfer the fish to a plate.
9. In a large, heavy-bottomed, ovenproof skillet (preferably cast iron), heat 3 tablespoons of the oil over high heat until hot, but not smoking.
10. Fry the fillets until the undersides are golden brown, about 1 minute.
11. Turn, add the remaining 3 tablespoons oil, and cook 1 minute more.
12. Put the skillet in the upper third of the oven and bake until the fish are just cooked through, about 5 minutes.
13. Remove from the oven and serve immediately with lemon wedges.