Flounders are a popular choice for seafood lovers due to their delicate flavor and tender texture. When cooked right, they can be truly divine. But how do you get that perfect pan-fried crust? In this article, we’ll explore 20 crispy flounder recipes that will take your cooking game to the next level. From classic lemon butter and garlic herb to spicy Cajun and Italian-inspired piccata, we’ve got a pan-frying technique for every taste bud.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a culinary newbie, these recipes are sure to impress. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you’ll be whipping up crispy flounder dishes in no time. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the world of pan-seared perfection!
Pan-Seared Lemon Butter Flounder
Brighten up your dinner plate with this zesty and flavorful Pan-Seared Lemon Butter Flounder recipe, perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients:
– 4 flounder fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 lemons, juiced
– 2 tbsp freshly chopped parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh lemon wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat.
2. Rinse the flounder fillets under cold water, pat dry with paper towels.
3. Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the preheated pan and swirl until melted.
4. Place one flounder fillet in the pan; cook for 2-3 minutes or until edges start to flake.
5. Flip the fish over; cook an additional 2-3 minutes, or until cooked through.
6. Remove the fish from the pan, then stir in remaining butter and lemon juice.
7. Place the flounder back in the pan, spooning some of the lemon butter sauce over the top.
8. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes total (4-6 minutes per side for each fillet)
Garlic Herb Pan-Fried Flounder
This recipe brings together the flavors of garlic and herbs to create a delectable pan-fried flounder dish that’s sure to impress. With its crispy exterior and tender interior, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 flounder fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together minced garlic and olive oil.
3. Place a flounder fillet in the pan and brush with the garlic oil mixture.
4. Sprinkle chopped parsley and dill on top of the fish.
5. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
6. Flip the fish over and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes total
Crispy Parmesan Crusted Flounder
Add a crispy twist to your seafood with this easy-to-make flounder recipe, perfect for a quick dinner or lunch.
Ingredients:
– 4 flounder fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. In a shallow dish, mix together panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Dip each flounder fillet into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Place the coated flounder on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the fish is cooked through and the crust is golden brown.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Spicy Cajun Pan-Fried Flounder
Experience the bold flavors of Louisiana with this spicy Cajun pan-fried flounder recipe, perfect for a quick and delicious dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 flounder fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 2 tbsp butter, melted
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
2. Dip each flounder fillet in the flour mixture, coating both sides evenly.
3. Dip the floured fish in buttermilk, then coat in melted butter, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated flounder fillets and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Flounder Piccata with Capers and White Wine
A classic Italian-inspired dish that showcases the delicate flavor of flounder, paired with the tanginess of capers and a hint of white wine.
Ingredients:
– 4 flounder fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup butter, softened
– 1/4 cup white wine
– 2 tbsp freshly chopped capers
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Season the flounder fillets with salt and pepper.
2. Dredge the fish in flour, shaking off excess.
3. In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the flounder and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Reduce heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant.
5. Pour in the white wine and bring to a simmer. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
6. Stir in the chopped capers and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
7. Serve the flounder with the white wine and caper sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Simple Pan-Fried Flounder with Tartar Sauce
This recipe yields a deliciously crispy and flavorful flounder dish, paired with a tangy tartar sauce for dipping.
Ingredients:
– 4 flounder fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– 1 cup tartar sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat.
2. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each flounder fillet into the flour mixture, coating both sides evenly.
4. Place the coated fillets in the preheated pan, cooking for 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown.
5. Remove the cooked fish from the pan and serve hot with tartar sauce on the side.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Flounder Meunière with Brown Butter Sauce
A classic French-inspired dish that combines the delicate flavor of flounder with a rich, nutty brown butter sauce.
Ingredients:
– 4 flounder fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup white wine
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp lemon zest
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Season flounder with salt and pepper.
3. Melt 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
4. Add flounder fillets and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Remove from heat and set aside.
6. In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp butter. Let it melt and start to brown (about 5 minutes).
7. Add white wine and chicken broth. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
8. Simmer sauce for 2-3 minutes or until slightly thickened.
9. Serve flounder with brown butter sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Panko-Crusted Pan-Fried Flounder
Get ready to delight your taste buds with this crispy and flavorful flounder dish, perfectly pan-fried with a crunchy Panko crust.
Ingredients:
– 4 flounder fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp lemon zest
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Season the flounder fillets with salt and pepper.
2. In a shallow dish, mix together Panko breadcrumbs and lemon zest.
3. Dip each flounder fillet into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Pan-fry the coated flounder fillets for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes total
Tips:
– Use fresh and high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
– Don’t overcrowd the skillet; cook in batches if necessary.
– Serve immediately to enjoy the crispy crust at its best.
Flounder with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce
Elevate your seafood game with this bright and citrusy flounder dish, perfectly balanced by a rich lemon garlic cream sauce.
Ingredients:
• 4 flounder fillets (6 oz each)
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 2 lemons, juiced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season flounder fillets with salt and pepper.
3. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add flounder fillets to the skillet, skin side up (if they have skin). Cook for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
5. Flip fillets and cook an additional 2-3 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Meanwhile, combine lemon juice and heavy cream in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth.
7. Serve flounder with lemon garlic cream sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Pan-Fried Flounder with Tomato Basil Relish
Pan-Fried Flounder with Tomato Basil Relish: A light and flavorful dish that combines the delicate taste of flounder with the sweetness of tomatoes and the brightness of basil.
Ingredients:
– 4 flounder fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tsp paprika
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Tomato Basil Relish (see below)
Tomato Basil Relish:
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season flounder with flour mixture.
3. Pan-fry flounder in olive oil for 3-4 minutes per side or until cooked through.
4. Transfer flounder to a baking sheet and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, combine Tomato Basil Relish ingredients in a bowl.
6. Serve flounder with Tomato Basil Relish spooned on top.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Flounder with Almond Brown Butter
A delicate flounder fillet paired with a rich and nutty brown butter sauce, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 flounder fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup sliced almonds
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season flounder fillets with salt and pepper.
3. In a medium skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add almonds and cook, stirring frequently, until lightly toasted (2-3 minutes).
4. Add garlic and continue cooking for another minute, stirring constantly.
5. Place flounder fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spoon the almond brown butter sauce evenly over each fillet.
6. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until fish is cooked through.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Pan-Seared Flounder with Mango Salsa
This refreshing dish combines the delicate flavor of flounder with the sweetness of mango and a hint of spice, perfect for a light and flavorful meal. With only a few ingredients and simple cooking steps, you can create this tropical-inspired masterpiece in no time.
Ingredients:
– 4 flounder fillets (6 oz each)
– Salt and pepper
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 ripe mango, diced
– 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
– Lime wedges (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season flounder fillets with salt and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add flounder and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until cooked through.
4. Meanwhile, combine mango, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro in a bowl.
5. Serve flounder with mango salsa spooned over the top. Squeeze lime juice (if using) for an extra burst of flavor.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Flounder with Crispy Prosciutto and Sage
Elevate your seafood game with this elegant recipe, featuring flaky flounder, crispy prosciutto, and a hint of earthy sage.
Ingredients:
– 4 flounder fillets (6 oz each)
– 6 slices of prosciutto
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp butter
– 2 sprigs of fresh sage
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Lemon wedges (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season flounder fillets with salt and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add prosciutto slices and cook until crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from pan and set aside.
4. Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the same pan and melt. Add flounder fillets and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes.
6. Remove from oven and top each fillet with a crispy prosciutto slice and a sprig of sage.
7. Serve immediately, with lemon wedges on the side if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Pan-Fried Flounder with Dill Yogurt Sauce
This recipe offers a refreshing twist on traditional fish dishes, combining the delicate flavor of flounder with the tanginess of dill and yogurt. Perfect for a light and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 4 flounder fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
– 1 tsp lemon juice
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooking oil or butter for pan-frying
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat.
2. Season the flounder fillets with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Add 1-2 tbsp of cooking oil or butter to the pan and swirl to coat.
4. Pan-fry the flounder for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through and flaky.
5. In a small bowl, mix together the yogurt, dill, and lemon juice.
6. Serve the flounder fillets with the dill yogurt sauce spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Flounder with Lemon Caper Pan Sauce
Flounder with Lemon Caper Pan Sauce Recipe
Summary: This recipe combines the delicate flavor of flounder with a bright and tangy lemon caper pan sauce, perfect for a quick and flavorful dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 flounder fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 lemons, juiced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– 2 tbsp capers, rinsed and drained
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Season flounder fillets with salt and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
5. Add flounder fillets and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until cooked through.
6. Remove fish from the pan and set aside.
7. Reduce heat to medium-low and add lemon juice, white wine vinegar, and chicken broth to the pan.
8. Simmer sauce for 2-3 minutes or until slightly thickened.
9. Stir in capers and adjust seasoning as needed.
10. Serve flounder with the lemon caper pan sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 12-15 minutes
Pan-Fried Flounder with Garlic Spinach
A delicate and flavorful seafood dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. This recipe combines the tender flounder with a savory garlic spinach sauce.
Ingredients:
– 4 flounder fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
– 1 teaspoon lemon zest
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat.
2. Rinse the flounder fillets and pat them dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Add the olive oil to the preheated pan and swirl to coat. Cook the flounder for 3-4 minutes per side, until cooked through.
4. While the fish is cooking, add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
5. Stir in the chopped spinach and lemon zest. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, until the spinach has wilted.
6. Serve the flounder with the garlic spinach sauce spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Flounder with Honey Mustard Glaze
A sweet and tangy twist on traditional flounder, this recipe is perfect for a quick and flavorful dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 flounder fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
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. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
5. Brush the glaze evenly over the flounder fillets.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Pan-Seared Flounder with Avocado Lime Crema
This dish combines the delicate flavor of flounder with the creamy richness of avocado and a burst of lime, perfect for a light yet satisfying meal. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can elevate this classic fish to new heights.
Ingredients:
– 4 flounder fillets (6 oz each)
– Salt and pepper
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 ripe avocado, diced
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– Juice of 1 lime
– 1 tsp honey
– Chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season flounder with salt and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add flounder and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until cooked through.
4. Meanwhile, mix avocado, yogurt, lime juice, and honey in a bowl.
5. Serve flounder topped with Avocado Lime Crema and garnished with cilantro.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Flounder with Crispy Shallots and Chives
Elevate your seafood game with this simple yet impressive recipe. Pan-seared flounder pairs perfectly with the crispy, caramelized shallots and fresh chives.
Ingredients:
– 4 flounder fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 large shallots, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tbsp butter
– 2 tsp salt
– 1 tsp black pepper
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives
– Fresh lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the sliced shallots and cook until caramelized and crispy, stirring occasionally (about 8-10 minutes).
4. Meanwhile, season the flounder fillets with salt and black pepper.
5. Add the butter to the skillet and swirl to melt.
6. Add the flounder fillets and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
7. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes.
8. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped chives.
9. Serve immediately with a squeeze of fresh lemon.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Pan-Fried Flounder with Roasted Red Pepper Coulis
Experience the perfect balance of flavors and textures with this quick and easy recipe, featuring delicate flounder paired with a vibrant and slightly smoky roasted red pepper coulis.
Ingredients:
– 4 flounder fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 large red bell peppers
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp lemon zest
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roast the red bell peppers by placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 30-40 minutes or until charred.
3. Peel off the skin, remove seeds, and chop into small pieces.
4. Pan-fry the flounder fillets in a skillet coated with olive oil over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Serve the flounder with the roasted red pepper coulis spooned on top. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
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