Amsterdam Cafe's Pecan-Crusted Grouper Recipe

The Auburn and Opelika area is home to numerous farmers markets and locally made products. Many of the area’s restaurants and chefs coordinate with local farmers to help bring their produce into their menus. With everything from homemade jams to vegetables, shopping local could change the way you approach grocery shopping.

Amsterdam Café utilizes these resources to bring true farm-to-table entrees to its patrons. Below is the recipe for their pecan-crusted grouper with peach and sweet basil salad with green Tabasco remoulade.

Local ingredients in this recipe include: grouper from Alabama Gulf Seafood, basil and pickles from Extreme Hydroponics in Auburn, pecans from Pecan Point Farm in Hurtsboro, Alabama, and peaches sourced locally by Charlie Adams from My Secret Garden in Notasulga, Alabama.

Chef Miquel Figueroa said that Charlie Adams helps keep him informed on which products are freshly harvested and brings them to him.

Pecan crusted grouper with peach & sweet basil salad with green tabasco remoulade.

• Mix ground pecans and breadcrumbs in a shallow bowl. Beat egg with wire whisk or fork in another shallow bowl.
• Sprinkle both sides of fish with salt and pepper. Dredge each piece of fish in egg and then dip in the ground pecans. 
• Heat oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add fish and cook until done.
• For the salad, sliced peaches, scallions, radishes, fresh basil, (Figs if they are available), red wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil and S&P to taste.
• For the remoulade:
  • 2 yolks 
  • 4 cornichons or pickles
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice 
  • Pinch old bay seasoning 
  • 4tbsp green tabasco
  • 2tbsp dijon mustard
  • 2tbsp Worcestershire 
  • Celery chopped 4tbsp
  • Shallots chopped 4tbsp
  • Extra virgin olive oil 1.5 cups  
  • Salt to taste 

Method: Mix all ingredients except the Oil in a shallow bowl with a whisk. Add the oil very slowly while mixing to create a nice emulsion (Mayonnaise consistency).

See the picture for plating directions.

Amsterdam Café is located on 410 S. Gay Street in Auburn. Bubbling with conversation, music and good food, Amsterdam will make you feel welcomed and comfortable in a relaxed and stylish setting. The eatery features special event space and two full bars. Their menu offers a plate for every palate and consists of soul-pleasing selections that include family favorites, seasonal highlights, and timeless classics. Try any of their daily specials, award-winning sandwiches, and market fresh seafood, and you’ll find them full of flavor and just what you’re looking for! Their famous crab cake and avocado sandwich is on “Alabama’s 100 Dishes to Eat Before You Die!”  

For more information visit their website http://www.amsterdamcafeauburn.com/ or call 334-826-8181.

Don't miss out on what's happening in Auburn-Opelika! 
Sign up for our e-newsletter here.