When it comes to cooking fish, there are few methods as impressive and flavorful as pan-searing. The result is a crispy exterior giving way to a tender and moist interior – the perfect combination for a dish that’s both healthy and indulgent. One type of fish that lends itself particularly well to this technique is flounder, with its delicate flavor and flaky texture making it an ideal candidate for a variety of creative preparations.
In this article, we’ll be exploring 18 mouthwatering flounder recipes that showcase the versatility of this versatile fish. From classic combinations like lemon butter sauce and capers, to more adventurous pairings like mango salsa and smoked paprika, these pan-seared flounder dishes are sure to impress even the most discerning palates.
Pan-Seared Flounder with Lemon Butter Sauce
Elevate your seafood game with this light and flavorful dish featuring pan-seared flounder topped with a zesty lemon butter sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 flounder fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 2 lemons, juiced
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season flounder with salt and pepper.
3. Add butter to skillet and sear flounder for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Remove flounder from skillet and set aside.
5. Reduce heat to medium-low and add lemon juice, white wine (if using), and garlic to skillet.
6. Simmer sauce for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
7. Serve flounder with lemon butter sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Garlic Butter Flounder with Crispy Skin
Elevate your seafood game with this simple yet impressive recipe that yields a flavorful and flaky fish with a crispy, golden-brown skin. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 flounder fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp lemon zest
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Rinse the flounder fillets and pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, mix together softened butter, minced garlic, and lemon zest.
4. Place the flounder fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Spread one-quarter of the garlic butter mixture evenly over each fillet, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
8. Remove from oven and sprinkle with chopped parsley (if using).
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Flounder Piccata with Capers and White Wine
Flounder Piccata with Capers and White Wine: A classic Italian dish that showcases the delicate flavor of flounder, elevated by a zesty white wine sauce and crunchy capers.
Ingredients:
– 4 flounder fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup white wine (dry)
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed and drained
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Season flounder fillets with salt, pepper, and flour.
2. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add flounder and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
3. Remove flounder from skillet; set aside.
4. Reduce heat to medium. Add garlic, white wine, and chicken broth to the skillet. Simmer for 2-3 minutes or until sauce has slightly thickened.
5. Stir in capers. Serve flounder with white wine sauce spooned over top. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Pan-Fried Flounder with Herb Crust
Elevate your seafood game with this simple yet flavorful recipe that combines the delicate taste of flounder with a savory herb crust. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 flounder fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill
– 1 tsp lemon zest
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat skillet over medium-high heat.
2. In a shallow dish, mix together panko breadcrumbs, parsley, dill, lemon zest, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Dredge flounder fillets in breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Add olive oil to preheated skillet and cook flounder for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Serve immediately with your choice of sides.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Flounder with Browned Butter and Almonds
This recipe showcases the delicate flavor of flounder paired with the richness of browned butter and crunch of toasted almonds. A simple yet impressive dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 flounder fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 1/2 cup sliced almonds
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the flounder with salt and pepper.
3. In a large skillet, melt 1 tbsp of butter over medium heat. Add the flounder and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until cooked through.
4. Remove the flounder from the skillet and set aside.
5. Reduce heat to low and add the remaining 1 tbsp of butter to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the butter turns golden brown (about 5 minutes).
6. Stir in the sliced almonds and cook for an additional minute.
7. Serve the flounder with the browned butter and almond sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spicy Pan-Seared Flounder with Chili Lime Sauce
A flavorful and spicy twist on a classic fish dish, this recipe combines the delicate taste of flounder with a bold and zesty chili lime sauce.
Ingredients:
– 4 flounder fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup chili lime sauce (see below)
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Chili Lime Sauce:
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Dash of hot sauce (such as sriracha)
Instructions:
1. Preheat skillet over medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic, ginger, cumin, and smoked paprika.
3. Add flounder fillets to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Serve with chili lime sauce spooned on top. Garnish with cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Flounder with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil
This recipe combines the delicate flavor of flounder with the sweetness of cherry tomatoes and the brightness of fresh basil, creating a simple yet impressive dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 flounder fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Lemon wedges, optional
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Place the flounder fillets on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Drizzle the olive oil over the fish, then sprinkle with salt and pepper.
5. Arrange the cherry tomatoes around the fish, leaving a small border.
6. Sprinkle the chopped basil leaves over the tomatoes.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
8. Serve hot, with lemon wedges on the side if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Pan-Fried Flounder and Shrimp Combo
A flavorful and elegant seafood dish that combines the delicate taste of flounder with the succulent sweetness of shrimp, all wrapped up in a crispy pan-fry.
Ingredients:
– 4 flounder fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon lemon zest
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Season flounder fillets with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add flounder and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add butter and garlic. Cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
4. Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.
5. Serve flounder with shrimp on top. Garnish with lemon zest and chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Mediterranean Flounder with Olives and Feta
This recipe combines the delicate flavor of flounder with the bold flavors of the Mediterranean, featuring salty olives and crumbly feta cheese.
Ingredients:
– 4 flounder fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup pitted green olives, sliced
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Place flounder fillets on the baking sheet.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the fish, then sprinkle with garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
5. Top each fillet with sliced olives and crumbled feta cheese.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Flounder with Asparagus and Hollandaise
A classic combination of flavors and textures, this recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy dinner at home. Flaky fish, tender asparagus, and rich hollandaise sauce come together in a delightful culinary experience.
Ingredients:
– 4 flounder fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed
– 2 cups water
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 1 cup Hollandaise sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season flounder fillets with salt and pepper.
3. Pan-fry asparagus in butter until tender, about 5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
4. Place flounder fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with water and bake for 8-10 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Serve flounder with roasted asparagus and spoon Hollandaise sauce over the top.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pan-Seared Flounder with Mango Salsa
Flaky flounder gets a tropical twist with this refreshing pan-seared dish and zesty mango salsa. Perfect for a light and flavorful meal that’s ready in no time!
Ingredients:
For the Pan-Seared Flounder:
– 4 flounder fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Mango Salsa:
– 2 ripe mangos, diced
– 1/2 cup red onion, diced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– Juice of 1 lime
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat.
2. Season the flounder fillets with salt and pepper.
3. Add the olive oil to the preheated pan and sear the flounder for 2-3 minutes on each side, until cooked through.
4. Meanwhile, combine mango, red onion, jalapeño, lime juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Stir well to combine.
5. Serve the pan-seared flounder with the Mango Salsa spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Flounder with Mushrooms and White Wine Cream Sauce
This elegant dish combines the delicate flavor of flounder with the earthy taste of mushrooms, all wrapped up in a rich white wine cream sauce. Perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 4 flounder fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 cup mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup white wine
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 tbsp butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season flounder with salt and pepper.
3. Heat 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add flounder; cook for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown. Flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
4. In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp butter. Add mushrooms and garlic; cook until mushrooms release their liquid and start to brown (about 5 minutes).
5. Add white wine and heavy cream to the skillet; bring to a simmer. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until sauce has thickened slightly.
6. Serve flounder with mushroom cream sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Smoky Paprika Flounder with Roasted Peppers
This recipe combines the delicate flavor of flounder with the smokiness of paprika and the sweetness of roasted peppers. The result is a flavorful and healthy dish perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 flounder fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 large bell peppers, any color
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Place the flounder fillets on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
5. Roast the bell peppers on a separate baking sheet for 30-40 minutes or until charred.
6. Remove the flounder from the oven after 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
7. Serve the flounder topped with roasted peppers and chopped parsley.
Cooking Time: 25-35 minutes
Flounder with Lemon-Dill Aioli
Brighten up your dinner table with this light and flavorful recipe that combines the delicate taste of flounder with a zesty lemon-dill aioli. This dish is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 flounder fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tsp Dijon mustard
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the flounder fillets with salt and pepper.
3. Bake the flounder for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
4. Meanwhile, mix together the mayonnaise, yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and chopped dill in a bowl.
5. Serve the baked flounder with a dollop of lemon-dill aioli on top. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Crispy Pan-Fried Flounder with Tartar Sauce
Flaky flounder paired with a tangy tartar sauce makes for a delightful and easy seafood dish. With just a few simple steps, you’ll be enjoying this flavorful meal in no time.
Ingredients:
– 4 flounder fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Tartar sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Pour buttermilk into a separate dish.
3. Dip each flounder fillet into the buttermilk, then coat in the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Fry the flounder for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
6. Drain on paper towels and serve with tartar sauce.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Flounder with Zucchini and Tomato Confit
This recipe combines the delicate flavor of flounder with the sweetness of zucchini and the richness of tomato confit, making for a well-balanced and flavorful dish.
Ingredients:
– 4 flounder fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 2 large tomatoes, cored and halved
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C).
2. In a small saucepan, combine tomato halves, 1 tsp olive oil, salt, and pepper. Cook over medium heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Meanwhile, season flounder fillets with salt and pepper.
4. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add flounder and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. In the same skillet, add zucchini slices and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until tender.
6. Serve flounder with zucchini and spoon tomato confit over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Flounder in Garlic Parsley Butter
Elevate your seafood game with this flavorful and aromatic recipe that combines the delicate taste of flounder with the richness of garlic parsley butter.
Ingredients:
– 4 flounder fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh lemon wedges (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season flounder fillets with salt and pepper.
3. In a small bowl, mix together softened butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley until well combined.
4. Place the flounder fillets in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
5. Remove the flounder from the skillet and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Dot the top of each flounder fillet with the garlic parsley butter.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until cooked through.
8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh lemon wedges if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 15-18 minutes
Pan-Seared Flounder with Coconut Curry Sauce
This tropical-inspired dish combines the delicate flavor of flounder with a rich and creamy coconut curry sauce, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you’ll be enjoying this flavorful seafood delight in no time.
Ingredients:
– 4 flounder fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup coconut milk
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp curry powder
– 1/2 tsp cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season flounder with salt and pepper. Add butter; cook 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
3. Meanwhile, combine coconut milk, garlic, curry powder, and cumin in a small saucepan. Bring to simmer over medium heat.
4. Reduce heat to low; let sauce thicken slightly (about 5 minutes).
5. Serve flounder with coconut curry sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Summary
Discover the flavorful world of flounder recipes! This collection of 18 mouth-watering dishes showcases the versatility of this delicate fish. From classic pan-seared flounder with lemon butter sauce to bold combinations like spicy pan-seared flounder with chili lime sauce and crispy pan-fried flounder with tartar sauce, there’s something for every taste bud. Whether you’re in the mood for a light and zesty dish or a rich and creamy sauce, these recipes are sure to delight. Get ready to elevate your cooking game and impress your family and friends with these delicious flounder recipes!
