Are you looking for a delicious and easy-to-make seafood dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends? Look no further than pan-fried flounder! This mild-flavored fish is a great canvas for a wide range of flavors, from classic lemon butter sauce to spicy Cajun seasonings. In this article, we’ll explore 18 crispy flounder recipes that are pan-fried to perfection.
From classic piccata-style preparations to bold and flavorful sauces, these recipes offer something for everyone. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out in the kitchen, you’ll find inspiration in our collection of tasty and easy-to-make flounder dishes. So grab your skillet and let’s dive into the world of crispy pan-fried flounder!
Pan-Seared Flounder with Lemon Butter Sauce
This recipe yields a delicate and flavorful flounder dish, perfectly balanced by the tanginess of lemon butter sauce.
Ingredients:
– 4 flounder fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 2 lemons, juiced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Rinse the flounder fillets under cold water, pat dry with paper towels.
3. Season both sides of the fish with salt and pepper.
4. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tbsp butter; once melted, add the flounder fillets. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Remove from heat, transfer to a baking dish. Top each fillet with lemon juice, garlic, and Dijon mustard. Dot with remaining butter.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 2-3 minutes, or until sauce is bubbly and slightly caramelized.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Garlic Herb Butter Flounder in a Skillet
Elevate your weeknight dinner with this flavorful and moist flounder recipe, infused with the richness of garlic butter and herbs. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 4 flounder fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp dried parsley
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh lemon wedges (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together butter, garlic powder, parsley, and paprika.
3. Place the flounder fillets in the skillet, leaving space between each.
4. Spread the garlic herb butter evenly over each fillet.
5. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side, if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes total
Crispy Pan-Fried Flounder with Tartar Sauce
Flaky flounder cooked to perfection and served with a tangy tartar sauce is a match made in heaven. This simple recipe yields a crispy exterior and tender interior, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 flounder fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Tartar sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat.
2. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Dredge flounder fillets in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
4. Add 1/8 inch of vegetable oil to the preheated pan and swirl to coat.
5. Place flounder fillets in the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
6. Serve hot with tartar sauce.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Flounder Piccata with Capers and White Wine
A classic Italian dish gets a seafood twist with this Flounder Piccata recipe, featuring delicate flounder fillets topped with capers, white wine, and a hint of lemon.
Ingredients:
– 4 flounder fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
– 1/4 cup white wine (dry)
– 2 tbsp capers, rinsed and drained
– 2 lemons, sliced
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Season flounder fillets with salt, pepper, and paprika.
2. Dredge in flour, shaking off excess.
3. Heat 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add flounder and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until cooked through.
4. Remove flounder from skillet and set aside.
5. In same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp butter. Add white wine, capers, and lemon slices. Simmer for 2-3 minutes or until sauce has thickened slightly.
6. Serve flounder with sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Spicy Cajun Pan-Fried Flounder
Get ready to experience the bold flavors of the Bayou with this spicy Cajun pan-fried flounder recipe! This dish is a perfect blend of crispy and tender, with a kick of heat from the cayenne pepper.
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 salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
2. Pour buttermilk into a separate shallow dish.
3. Dip each flounder fillet into the buttermilk, coating completely, then roll in the flour mixture to coat.
4. Heat about 1/8 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Add coated flounder fillets and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Cooking Time: 6-8 minutes
Flounder with Brown Butter and Almonds
This dish combines the delicate flavor of flounder with the nutty richness of brown butter and crunchy almonds, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 flounder fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup sliced almonds
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or lemon wedges for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season flounder fillets with salt and pepper.
3. Heat 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add flounder, cook 2-3 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Transfer to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
4. In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until butter turns golden brown (about 5 minutes).
5. Add sliced almonds to the browned butter and cook for an additional minute, or until fragrant.
6. Serve flounder with brown butter and almonds spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Pan-Fried Flounder with Garlic and Parsley
This recipe is a flavorful and healthy take on flounder, featuring the brightness of parsley and pungency of garlic. With only a few ingredients and simple preparation, you’ll be enjoying this delicious dish in no time.
Ingredients:
– 4 flounder fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the flounder fillets under cold water, pat dry with paper towels.
2. Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Place the flounder fillets in the skillet, skin side up (if they have skin).
5. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until the fish is golden brown and cooked through.
6. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top of each fillet.
7. Serve immediately, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Lemon Pepper Flounder in a Skillet
This recipe combines the brightness of lemon with the warmth of pepper to create a flavorful and moist flounder dish, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. With only a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll be enjoying this delicious skillet meal in no time!
Ingredients:
– 4 flounder fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 tsp lemon pepper seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season the flounder fillets with salt and pepper.
3. Add the flounder to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until cooked through.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice and lemon pepper seasoning.
5. Pour the lemon mixture over the flounder and stir gently to coat.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Flounder with Tomato Basil Pan Sauce
This pan-seared flounder recipe is a flavorful and light dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. The simplicity of the preparation allows the delicate flavor of the fish to shine through, while the tomato basil sauce adds a burst of freshness.
Ingredients:
– 4 flounder fillets (6 oz each)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 2 tbsp white wine (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the flounder fillets with salt and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
5. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook until they start to release their juices, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Place the flounder fillets in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until cooked through.
7. Remove from heat and stir in basil leaves and white wine (if using).
8. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Panko-Crusted Pan-Fried Flounder
This recipe showcases the tender flounder fillet wrapped in a crispy Panko crust, pan-fried to perfection. With minimal ingredients and simple steps, you can achieve a restaurant-quality dish from the comfort of your own kitchen.
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 or dill for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your skillet over medium-high heat.
2. In a shallow dish, mix together Panko breadcrumbs and lemon zest.
3. Dip each flounder fillet into the breadcrumb mixture, coating evenly.
4. Heat olive oil in the preheated skillet and add the coated flounder fillets (in batches if necessary).
5. Pan-fry for 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley or dill if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-12 minutes total
Flounder Meunière with Browned Butter
This recipe showcases the delicate flavor of flounder paired with a rich and nutty browned butter sauce. It’s a simple yet elegant dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 flounder fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the flounder fillets with salt and pepper.
3. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
4. Add the flounder fillets and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until cooked through.
5. Remove the fish from the skillet and set aside.
6. Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Let it brown for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Serve the flounder with the browned butter sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Pan-Fried Flounder with Mango Salsa
Experience the sweet and savory fusion of Pan-Fried Flounder paired with a tangy and refreshing Mango Salsa.
Ingredients:
For the Pan-Fried Flounder:
– 4 flounder fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Vegetable oil for frying
For the Mango Salsa:
– 2 ripe mangos, diced
– 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 2 tbsp lime juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat.
2. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Dredge flounder fillets in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
4. Pan-fry flounder for 3-4 minutes per side or until cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, combine mango, red onion, jalapeño, and lime juice in a bowl.
6. Serve pan-fried flounder with Mango Salsa spooned over the top.
7. Garnish with cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Flounder with White Wine and Mushroom Sauce
This recipe combines the delicate flavor of flounder with the richness of white wine and sautéed mushrooms, creating a sophisticated yet easy-to-make dish perfect for a special occasion or weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 flounder fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 cup white wine (dry)
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 tbsp butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season flounder fillets with salt, pepper, and thyme.
3. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
4. Add garlic and white wine to the skillet; stir to combine. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes or until liquid is almost reduced.
5. Place flounder fillets in the skillet, spooning some of the mushroom sauce over each filet.
6. Transfer skillet to oven and bake for 8-10 minutes or until fish is cooked through.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Pan-Seared Flounder with Dill Cream Sauce
A light and refreshing seafood dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. This recipe combines the delicate flavor of flounder with the tangy creaminess of dill cream sauce.
Ingredients:
– 4 flounder fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp lemon juice
– 1/4 tsp paprika
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 heavy cream, chopped dill, garlic, lemon juice, and paprika in a bowl.
5. Serve the pan-seared flounder with the warm dill cream sauce spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Flounder with Lemon Caper Pan Sauce
Brighten up your dinner plate with this light and zesty flounder dish, perfectly balanced by the tangy flavors of lemon and capers.
Ingredients:
– 4 flounder fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 lemons, juiced
– 2 tbsp butter
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
– 1 tsp Dijon mustard
– 1 tsp chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup capers, rinsed and drained
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Rinse the flounder fillets under cold water, pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a large skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium-high heat. Add the flounder and cook for 2-3 minutes per side or until cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Reduce heat to medium, add remaining 1 tbsp butter. Pour in lemon juice, white wine (if using), mustard, parsley, and capers. Simmer for 2-3 minutes or until sauce has thickened slightly.
5. Serve the flounder with the Lemon Caper Pan Sauce spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Pan-Fried Flounder with Herb Crust
Elevate your seafood game with this flavorful and easy-to-make Pan-Fried Flounder with Herb Crust recipe. Delicate flounder fillets are coated in a fragrant mixture of fresh herbs, then pan-fried to perfection.
Ingredients:
– 4 flounder fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
– 2 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 a non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat.
2. In a shallow dish, mix together panko breadcrumbs, parsley, dill, lemon zest, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each flounder fillet into the breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides evenly.
4. Add 1 tbsp of olive oil to the preheated pan and place two coated fillets.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with lemon wedges if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 8-10 minutes for all four fillets.
Flounder with Garlic Lemon Butter
This recipe showcases the delicate flavor of flounder paired with the brightness of lemon, the pungency of garlic, and the richness of butter. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 flounder fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 lemons, juiced
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
3. Season the flounder fillets with salt and pepper.
4. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
5. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice.
6. Place the flounder on the prepared baking sheet and spoon the garlic-lemon butter mixture evenly over each fillet.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Pan-Seared Flounder with Avocado Salsa
A delicate flounder fillet paired with a creamy avocado salsa, this dish is perfect for a light and refreshing meal.
Ingredients:
For the Pan-Seared Flounder:
– 4 flounder fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
For the Avocado Salsa:
– 3 ripe avocados, diced
– 1/2 red onion, diced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 1 lime, juiced
– Salt to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season the flounder fillets with salt and pepper.
3. Add olive oil to the skillet and sear the flounder for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Meanwhile, combine avocado, red onion, jalapeño, and lime juice in a bowl.
5. Serve the pan-seared flounder with the avocado salsa spooned on top. Garnish with cilantro leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in the flaky, flavorful goodness of pan-fried flounder! This article presents 18 mouth-watering recipes that showcase the versatility and deliciousness of this popular fish. From classic lemon butter sauce to spicy Cajun seasonings, each dish is carefully crafted to bring out the best of flounder’s tender flesh. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, these crispy and flavorful recipes are sure to inspire your next seafood adventure.
