Pan-Fried Flounder

Flounder is a delicate and mild-flavored fish that can be prepared in various ways. Here's a simple recipe for pan-fried flounder, but you can also grill, bake, or broil it for equally delicious results. This recipe serves four.

Ingredients:

• 4 flounder fillets (about 6-8 ounces each)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional, for added flavor)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional, for added flavor)
• Fresh lemon wedges or slices, for garnish
• Fresh parsley or dill, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preparation:
   • Start by patting the flounder fillets dry with paper towels. This helps ensure a crispy, golden crust when you cook them.
   • In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, pepper, and paprika (if using). Mix these dry ingredients together.
2. Dredging:
   • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, and add the butter and olive oil. Allow the butter to melt and coat the bottom of the pan.
   • While the butter is melting, dredge each flounder fillet in the flour mixture. Make sure to coat both sides evenly and shake off any excess flour.
3. Cooking:
   • Once the butter is foamy and hot, carefully add the flounder fillets to the skillet. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan; you may need to cook them in batches.
   • Cook the flounder for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until it becomes golden brown and flakes easily with a fork. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets.
4. Finishing Touches:
   • In the last minute of cooking, add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté it briefly until fragrant. This step is optional but adds extra flavor.
   • Transfer the cooked flounder fillets to a serving platter, garnish with fresh lemon wedges or slices, and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley or dill for added brightness and flavor.
5. Serving:
• Serve the pan-fried flounder immediately while it's hot. Flounder pairs well with various side dishes such as rice, roasted vegetables, or a light salad.

Enjoy your pan-fried flounder with its crispy exterior and delicate, flaky interior. You can customize the seasoning to your taste by adding herbs or spices to the flour mixture or by drizzling some lemon juice over the fillets before serving.