Flounder is a tasty fish that’s perfect for many dishes. It has a mild flavor that works well with different seasonings and cooking methods.
You can bake, fry, steam, or grill flounder to make delicious meals.
These 15 flounder recipes will give you new ideas for cooking this versatile fish. You’ll find options for quick weeknight dinners and fancier meals.
The recipes use simple ingredients you can easily find. Try them out to add more seafood to your diet in tasty ways.
1. Lemon Butter Flounder
Lemon butter flounder is a delicious and easy-to-make dish. You can bake or pan-fry the fish for great results.
To start, pat the flounder fillets dry and season them with salt and pepper.
Mix melted butter, lemon juice, and minced garlic in a small bowl. Brush this mixture over both sides of the fish.
If baking, place the fillets in a buttered dish and cook at 400°F for about 10 minutes.
For extra flavor, add some fresh herbs like dill or parsley to the sauce. You can also top the cooked fish with lemon slices before serving.
This light and tasty meal goes well with rice or vegetables.
2. Parmesan Crusted Flounder
Parmesan crusted flounder is a tasty and simple dish you can make at home. To prepare it, preheat your oven to 425°F. Season flounder fillets with salt and pepper.
Mix grated Parmesan cheese with breadcrumbs and a bit of olive oil. This creates a flavorful crust.
Sprinkle the mixture over the fish, pressing gently to help it stick.
Bake the flounder for about 15-20 minutes. The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork. The crust should be golden brown and crispy.
For extra flavor, add minced garlic or lemon zest to the Parmesan mixture. Serve your crispy flounder with lemon wedges for a bright, citrusy touch.
3. Baked Flounder with Tomatoes
Baked flounder with tomatoes is a tasty and healthy dish. To make it, preheat your oven to 425°F. Start by mixing cherry tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil in a baking dish.
Add some olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to the tomato mix. Spread it out evenly and bake for 5 minutes.
While that’s cooking, season your flounder fillets with salt and pepper.
Place the fish on top of the tomato mixture in a single layer. Bake everything together for about 10 minutes.
The fish is done when it starts to flake easily.
This recipe is quick, easy, and full of flavor. The juicy tomatoes and aromatic basil complement the delicate taste of the flounder perfectly.
4. Flounder Piccata
Flounder piccata is a tasty Italian-inspired dish that’s quick and easy to make. You start by coating flounder fillets in seasoned flour. Then pan-fry them until golden brown.
The sauce is what makes this dish special. It combines butter, lemon juice, white wine, and capers.
These ingredients create a bright, tangy flavor that complements the delicate fish perfectly.
To make flounder piccata, you’ll need a large skillet. Cook the fish for just 2-3 minutes per side.
Be careful not to overcook it. The fillets should be light and flaky.
Serve your flounder piccata with rice or your favorite side dish. It’s a great choice for a light weeknight dinner that’s still full of flavor.
5. Stuffed Flounder with Crabmeat
Stuffed flounder with crabmeat is a fancy dish you can make at home. It’s perfect for special dinners or when you want to impress guests.
To make this dish, you’ll need flounder fillets and a crabmeat stuffing. Mix crabmeat with breadcrumbs, butter, and spices for the filling.
Spread the crab mixture on the flounder fillets and roll them up. Place the rolls in a baking dish and top with a bit of butter or mayo.
Bake the stuffed flounder in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 15 minutes. The fish should be flaky and the top lightly golden.
Serve your crab-stuffed flounder with lemon wedges and your favorite sides. It goes well with rice or roasted vegetables.
6. Cajun Blackened Flounder
Cajun blackened flounder is a tasty dish with a spicy kick. You can make it at home easily.
Start by mixing Cajun spices in a shallow dish. Coat both sides of your flounder fillets with the spice mix.
Heat oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add the fish and cook until the rub turns black.
Flip and cook the other side until done.
For extra flavor, serve your blackened flounder with a Cajun sauce. Melt butter in a pan and add diced onions, red peppers, and celery.
Cook until soft. This dish pairs well with rice or vegetables.
7. Flounder Tacos with Avocado
Flounder tacos are a tasty and easy meal you can whip up quickly. Start by seasoning flounder fillets with spices like paprika, garlic powder, and cumin.
Cook the fish in a hot skillet for a few minutes per side until it’s flaky.
Warm up some tortillas while the fish cooks.
Make a simple slaw with shredded cabbage, lime juice, and cilantro. For the avocado element, blend ripe avocados with sour cream, lime juice, and garlic to create a creamy sauce.
Assemble your tacos by layering the cooked fish, slaw, and avocado sauce in the warm tortillas.
These flounder tacos are fresh, flavorful, and perfect for a quick dinner.
8. Panko-Crusted Flounder
Panko-crusted flounder is a tasty and easy dish you can make in about 20 minutes. It features tender flounder fillets coated with crispy panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
To make this recipe, you’ll dip the fish in a mixture of butter and lemon juice. Then coat it with seasoned panko and Parmesan.
Bake the fillets for 12-15 minutes at a high temperature.
This cooking method results in a flaky, moist interior and a crunchy exterior. You can serve your panko-crusted flounder with rice and vegetables for a complete meal.
9. Miso-Glazed Flounder
Miso-glazed flounder is a tasty dish that combines mild fish with rich umami flavors. You’ll love how the sweet and salty miso paste creates a delicious crust on the flounder.
To make this recipe, mix white miso paste with a bit of hot water. Brush this mixture onto flounder fillets.
You can add extra flavors like ginger or garlic if you like.
Place the fish on parchment paper and bake it in a hot oven. The high heat helps caramelize the miso glaze, giving the flounder a golden-brown finish.
Serve your miso-glazed flounder with steamed rice and vegetables for a complete meal. This dish is both elegant and easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
10. Herb-Grilled Flounder
Herb-grilled flounder is a tasty and simple way to cook this mild fish. Start by mixing fresh herbs like oregano, dill, and rosemary with lemon juice and olive oil.
Pat the flounder fillets dry and brush them with the herb mixture. Heat your grill to medium-high and oil the grates to prevent sticking.
Grill the flounder for about 3-4 minutes per side. The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork.
Be careful not to overcook, as flounder can dry out quickly.
Serve your herb-grilled flounder with a squeeze of fresh lemon and a side of grilled vegetables for a light and flavorful meal.
11. Flounder with Capers and Garlic
This tasty dish combines flounder with zesty capers and garlic. Start by seasoning the fish with salt and pepper.
Heat oil in a pan and cook the flounder for a few minutes on each side until golden.
Remove the fish and set it aside. In the same pan, sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
Add white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits.
Stir in lemon juice, capers, and a pat of butter. Let the sauce simmer and thicken slightly.
Pour this flavorful mixture over the cooked flounder.
Garnish with fresh parsley or lemon wedges. You’ll love how the tangy capers and savory garlic complement the delicate fish.
12. Orange Ginger Flounder
This dish combines zesty orange with spicy ginger for a flavorful flounder meal. Start by marinating the fish in orange juice, grated ginger, and a touch of soy sauce for 30 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the marinated flounder on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Top the fish with thin orange slices and sprinkle with more grated ginger. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Serve your orange ginger flounder with steamed rice and a side of stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
13. Flounder with Dill Sauce
Flounder with dill sauce is a tasty and simple dish you can make at home. Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the flounder fillets on it.
Mix melted butter, lemon juice, minced garlic, and dried dill in a small bowl. Brush this mixture over the fish, making sure to coat it well.
Bake the flounder for about 10-12 minutes until it flakes easily with a fork.
While it’s cooking, prepare a quick dill sauce by mixing sour cream, fresh chopped dill, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
When the fish is done, serve it hot with the dill sauce on the side. This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a light and tasty meal.
14. Mediterranean Flounder with Olives
Mediterranean Flounder with Olives brings the flavors of the Mediterranean to your plate. This dish combines tender flounder with tangy olives and fresh tomatoes.
To make it, place flounder fillets in a baking dish. Mix tomatoes, onions, garlic, and olives in a bowl. Add oregano, salt, and pepper to the mixture.
Pour the tomato and olive mix over the fish. Bake the dish in a preheated oven at 385°F for about 15-20 minutes. The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork.
This recipe is easy to prepare and packed with flavor. You can serve it with rice or crusty bread to soak up the tasty sauce.
15. Flounder en Papillote with Vegetables
Flounder en papillote is a simple and tasty way to cook fish. You wrap the flounder in parchment paper with veggies and seasonings. This keeps the fish moist and locks in flavor.
To make it, place a flounder fillet on parchment paper. Add sliced vegetables like tomatoes and onions on top. Spread some pesto or herb butter over the fish.
Drizzle white wine and add a small pat of butter. Fold the parchment to make a sealed packet. Bake at 425°F for about 15-20 minutes.
When done, the packet will puff up. Cut it open carefully and enjoy your perfectly cooked flounder with steamed veggies.
Understanding Flounder as a Culinary Choice
Flounder is a versatile and healthy fish option for your meals. It offers great taste and nutrition while being easy to prepare in many ways.
Nutritional Benefits of Flounder
Flounder is packed with protein and low in calories. A 3-ounce serving gives you about 20 grams of protein with only 100 calories.
This fish is also rich in vitamins and minerals. It provides vitamin B12, selenium, and phosphorus.
These nutrients support your brain health, immune system, and bone strength.
Flounder is low in mercury compared to many other fish. This makes it a safe choice for regular consumption, even for pregnant women and children.
The fish contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for your heart. These healthy fats can help lower inflammation in your body.
Flounder Versus Other White Fish
Flounder has a mild, slightly sweet flavor. This makes it appealing if you don’t like “fishy” tastes. Its delicate texture is softer than cod or halibut.
You can cook flounder quickly due to its thin fillets. This fish works well for pan-frying, baking, or broiling.
Flounder absorbs flavors easily. You can pair it with bold sauces or simple seasonings. It’s great for dishes like piccata or blackened fish.
Price-wise, flounder is often more affordable than some other white fish. This makes it budget-friendly for regular meals.
Flounder has fewer bones than many fish. This feature makes it easier to eat and more kid-friendly.
Techniques for Cooking Flounder
Flounder is a delicate fish that can be cooked in various ways. Two popular methods are pan-frying and baking. These techniques bring out the best flavors and textures of this tasty fish.
Pan-Frying Flounder
Pan-frying gives flounder a crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist and tender. Start by patting the fillets dry with paper towels. Season them with salt and pepper.
Heat a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add a bit of oil or butter. Place the flounder in the pan when it’s hot.
Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side. The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork.
Don’t overcook, as flounder can dry out quickly.
For extra flavor, try dredging the fillets in seasoned flour before frying. This creates a light, crispy coating.
Baking Flounder Perfectly
Baking is a healthier option that requires less hands-on time.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
Place the flounder fillets in the dish.
Brush them with melted butter or olive oil. Sprinkle with herbs, lemon juice, and seasoning.
Bake for 10-12 minutes. The fish is ready when it’s opaque and flakes easily.
Be careful not to overbake, as this can make the fish dry.
For a crispy top, broil the fish for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
Pairing Flounder with Accompaniments
Flounder’s mild flavor makes it easy to pair with many herbs, spices, and side dishes.
Choosing the right accompaniments can turn this delicate fish into a memorable meal.
Best Herbs and Spices for Flounder
Lemon and dill are classic choices for flounder. Their bright flavors bring out the fish’s natural taste without overpowering it.
Parsley adds a fresh touch, while garlic gives a savory kick.
Try these herb and spice combinations:
- Lemon zest, dill, and black pepper
- Garlic powder, paprika, and thyme
- Fresh parsley, chives, and a squeeze of lemon juice
For a bolder flavor, use a mix of Old Bay seasoning and cayenne pepper. Be careful not to use too much spice, as it can mask the flounder’s delicate taste.
Ideal Side Dishes for Flounder Meals
Light, fresh sides work best with flounder.
Roasted lemon potatoes are a tasty option that complements the fish well.
For a healthier choice, try a classic Caesar salad or steamed vegetable medley.
Rice pilaf or orzo pasta salad can make your meal more filling.
These dishes add texture and absorb the flavors of the fish.
For a summer meal, serve flounder with:
- Grilled zucchini
- Pineapple coleslaw
- Greek orzo pasta salad
In cooler months, pair it with roasted root vegetables or a creamy roasted red pepper pasta.