Baked Flounder

Baked flounder is a delicious and healthy seafood dish that's simple to prepare and can be flavored in many ways. Flounder is a mild white fish that cooks quickly, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Here's a classic recipe for baked flounder with a lemon-butter sauce, along with some variations and tips.

Classic Baked Flounder RecipeIngredients:

• 4 flounder fillets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 lemon (juice and zest)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon slices (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the Baking Dish:
   • Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
3. Prepare the Flounder Fillets:
   • Pat the flounder fillets dry with paper towels and place them in the baking dish.
4. Make the Sauce:
   • In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Apply the Sauce:
   • Pour the sauce over the flounder fillets, making sure they are evenly coated.
6. Bake the Flounder:
   • Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
7. Garnish and Serve:
   • Remove the flounder from the oven and garnish with chopped parsley and lemon slices. Serve immediately.

Variations

1. Parmesan Crusted Flounder:
   • Sprinkle the flounder fillets with a mixture of grated Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs before baking for a crispy topping.
2. Mediterranean Style:
   • Add chopped tomatoes, olives, and capers to the baking dish for a Mediterranean twist. Garnish with fresh basil.
3. Herb Butter Flounder:
   • Replace the lemon-butter sauce with a herb butter mixture. Mix softened butter with chopped fresh herbs (like dill, chives, and tarragon) and spread over the fillets before baking.
4. Spicy Baked Flounder:
   • Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a bit of heat.

Tips for Perfect Baked Flounder

1. Freshness:
   • Use fresh, high-quality flounder for the best flavor. If fresh is not available, frozen flounder that has been properly thawed will also work well.
2. Don't Overcook:
   • Flounder cooks quickly. Check for doneness around the 10-minute mark to prevent overcooking, which can make the fish dry.
3. Even Coating:
   • Ensure the sauce or seasoning is evenly distributed over the fillets for consistent flavor in every bite.
4. Serve with Complementary Sides:
   • Pair baked flounder with sides like steamed vegetables, roasted potatoes, rice pilaf, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Baked flounder is a versatile and easy-to-prepare dish that can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Whether you stick to the classic lemon-butter recipe or try one of the variations, you're sure to enjoy a delicious and healthy meal. Enjoy your flounder with your favorite side dishes and savor the delicate flavors of this wonderful fish