Simple PanFried Flounder with LemonHerb Butter

Simple Panfried Flounder With Lemonherb Butter

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Recipe Introduction
Fancy a quick and easy dinner that tastes like you've been slaving away all day? Have you got some Flounder Filet chilling in the fridge? This recipe is about to be your new best mate.
Honestly, it's so simple, even I can't mess it up, and that's saying something!
Quick Hook: Lemon-Herb Bliss
This recipe gives you a pan-fried flounder filet with a zesty lemon butter sauce for fish . It's light, flavourful, and feels like a treat.
Think fish and lemon – a match made in culinary heaven.
Brief Overview: A Taste of France, Made Easy
This dish draws inspiration from French cuisine. Don't worry, you don't need to be a fancy chef. It's an easy weeknight fish dinner that takes about 20 minutes from start to finish.
This recipe serves two, perfect for a cosy night in.
Main Benefits: Healthy and Delicious
Delicate white fish recipes like this are packed with protein and low in fat. Serve it with some asparagus for a seriously healthy meal! It is the perfect simple flounder recipe for any occasion, a quick weeknight supper or a sophisticated dinner party.
What makes it special? The freshness of the ingredients and the lemon butter sauce for fish that elevates the humble flounder filet to something truly special.
Ready to dive into the ingredients?
Ingredients & Equipment
Alright, let's talk ingredients. The secret to a cracking seared flounder dish is quality. No hiding behind fancy techniques here, mate.
Main Ingredients
Here's what you'll need for two servings of this delicate white fish recipes :
- Flounder: Two flounder filet (6-8 ounces total)
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) - Adds a touch of richness and helps with browning.
- All-Purpose Flour: 1 tablespoon (15 g)
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon (1.5 g)
- Black Pepper: 1/8 teaspoon (0.75 g)
- Unsalted Butter: 4 tablespoons (56 g) , cold and cubed
- Fresh Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) - Super important for the fish and lemon combo.
- Fresh Parsley (optional): 1 tablespoon (5 g) , chopped
- Fresh Chives (optional): 1 teaspoon (2 g) , chopped
- Garlic Powder: 1/4 teaspoon (1.5 g)
For the flounder filet , you'll want fresh fish. It should smell clean, not overly fishy. The flesh should be firm and bounce back when you press it.
If it looks slimy, give it a miss.
Seasoning Notes
This is where the magic happens. The lemon-herb butter is everything.
- Essential Spice Combinations: Salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Simple, but effective.
- Flavor Enhancers and Aromatics: That fresh lemon juice is key! It brightens up the pan fried fish recipes beautifully. And don't skip the fresh parsley and chives if you can get your hands on them.
- Quick Substitution Options: No fresh herbs? No worries. Use 1/2 teaspoon each of dried parsley and chives. Can't find fresh lemon? Bottled will do in a pinch, but fresh is always best, innit?
Equipment Needed
Keep it simple, keep it clean.
- Large Non-Stick Skillet: Crucial. You don't want the fish sticking.
- Fish Spatula: A flexible spatula is your best friend for flipping the flounder filet without tearing it.
- Small Bowl: For mixing the flour and seasonings.
- Whisk: For making the lemon butter sauce for fish . A fork works too if you don't have one.
You can totally make this easy weeknight fish dinner with stuff you already have in your kitchen.
If you can, use it for other simple flounder recipes or fish flounder recipes , so you get confident!
Cooking Method: Pan-Fried Perfection for Your Flounder Filet
Simple Flounder Recipes don't have to be intimidating. Honestly, even I used to be a bit nervous about cooking fish.
But pan-frying a flounder filet is actually super simple! Trust me, if I can do it, you definitely can. This method gives you a beautifully seared flounder with crispy edges and a moist, flaky interior.
Plus, cleanup is a breeze.
Prep Steps: Mise en Place, Mate!
First things first: mise en place . French for "everything in its place." It's all about getting organised before you even turn on the hob.
Grab your 2 flounder filets (6-8 ounces total). Pat them completely dry with paper towels. Seriously, don’t skip this!
Mix 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper in a small bowl.
Have 1 tablespoon of olive oil ready to go. Chop 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley and 1 teaspoon of fresh chives, and cube 4 tablespoons of cold unsalted butter.
Squeeze out 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice and measure out 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder. You want this lemon butter sauce for fish recipe to sing!
The Pan-Fried Process: Easy Weeknight Fish Dinner
Here's the nitty-gritty on how to get your fish flounder recipes spot on:
- Dredge each flounder filet in the flour mixture. Shake off the excess – you don’t want it cakey.
- Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. The oil should shimmer – that's how you know it's ready.
- Carefully place the flounder filets in the skillet. Don’t overcrowd!
- Cook for 3- 4 minutes per side. Aim for golden brown and that the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Remove the seared flounder and set aside. Keep it warm while you make the sauce.
- Reduce the heat to low, add the butter to the skillet, and let it melt slowly.
- Whisk in the lemon juice and garlic powder. Keep whisking until the sauce thickens slightly. This is where the magic happens!
- Stir in the parsley and chives. Pour that lovely lemon butter sauce for fish over the flounder and serve!
Pro Tips: Turning Novices Into Masterchefs
- Don't overcook the delicate white fish ! Flounder filet cooks quickly, so keep a close eye on it.
- For the best sauce, use very cold butter. It helps the sauce emufy properly. And if you are on a Gluten Free Flounder Recipes diet, substitute the flour with cornstarch to add a crispy texture!
- Serve your pan fried fish recipes with steamed asparagus and roasted baby potatoes. It's a match made in heaven!
Recipe Notes for Perfect Pan-Fried Flounder
So, you're ready to try this Simple Pan-Fried Flounder with Lemon-Herb Butter? Ace! Here are a few extra nuggets of wisdom to make it even better.
Trust me; these are from experience. This dish highlights delicate white fish recipes and is very versatile.
Serving Like a Pro
Want to impress? Plating is key . I like to put the seared flounder on a bed of vibrant green asparagus.
Drizzle that gorgeous lemon butter sauce for fish all over. A wedge of lemon adds a final pop of color.
For sides, try some roasted baby potatoes. A crisp glass of Sauvignon Blanc is chef's kiss .
Storage Savvy
Right, so you've got leftovers (unlikely, it’s so yummy!). Pop that flounder filet in an airtight container. It'll be good in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Freezing? I wouldn't recommend it; it can get a bit mushy. Reheating? Gently warm it in a pan over low heat, or a quick zap in the microwave.
Switch It Up!
Feeling adventurous? Gluten free flounder recipes are just a tweak away!. Swap the flour for gluten-free flour or cornstarch. For a bit of spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the lemon butter sauce for fish .
Seasonal swaps? In the summer, use fresh basil instead of parsley. In winter, thyme adds a cosy warmth.
Nutrition Nitty-Gritty
This easy weeknight fish dinner is also good for you! Each serving packs about 350 calories. Loads of protein (around 35g) keeps you full.
Plus, fish is a great source of Omega-3s. It's a win-win. Fish and lemon is a healthy choice.
Honestly, this recipe is foolproof. Even if you botch it up a bit, it'll still taste great. Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own.
Happy cooking! Baked flounder recipes are also a good option.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best way to tell if my flounder filet is cooked through? I don't want to end up with something that tastes like it belongs on "Kitchen Nightmares"!
The easiest way to check if your flounder filet is cooked is by flaking it with a fork. If it easily separates into flakes and is opaque throughout, it's done! The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). Remember, flounder cooks quickly, so keep a close eye on it – you don't want it to dry out.
Can I use frozen flounder filet for this recipe, or is fresh always best?
You can definitely use frozen flounder! Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Pat it dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture – this will help it get a nice sear in the pan. Fresh is lovely if you can get it, but frozen is a perfectly acceptable (and often more convenient!) option. It's all about making life easier, isn't it?
What can I serve with this Simple Pan-Fried Flounder with Lemon-Herb Butter to make it a complete meal? I'm looking for something other than just chips, mate.
Absolutely! This flounder dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Steamed asparagus or roasted baby potatoes are classic choices that complement the delicate fish. A light salad with a vinaigrette dressing is also a great option to add some freshness. Think about what you'd order at a nice gastropub - you can't go wrong with something green and a bit starchy!
How should I store leftover cooked flounder filet? I'm not sure how long it will keep.
Store any leftover cooked flounder in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It's best to eat it within 1-2 days for optimal flavor and texture. Reheating can dry it out a bit, so try gently warming it in a pan with a little butter or lemon juice, or flaking it into a salad. Do not leave it sitting at room temperature for more than 2 hours for food safety reasons, especially if it contains fish.
I'm trying to eat healthier. What are the nutritional benefits of a flounder filet, and are there ways to make this recipe even lighter?
Flounder is a great source of lean protein and is low in fat, making it a healthy choice. To lighten up the recipe, you could use less butter or substitute it with a tablespoon of olive oil and a splash of vegetable broth. You could also skip the flour dredging and simply season the fish with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Serve with plenty of vegetables for a balanced, nutritious meal.