Imagine a delicate, perfectly seared flounder fillet that melts in your mouth, draped in a luxurious lemon butter sauce that transforms an ordinary dinner into a gourmet experience. This Italian-inspired recipe is not just a meal, but a culinary journey that promises to elevate your home cooking skills and impress even the most discerning food lovers. In just 20 minutes, you'll create a dish that looks like it came straight from a high-end restaurant kitchen, without the hefty price tag.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 flounder fillets
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 lemons, juiced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat the flounder fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a better sear and prevents steaming.
- Season both sides of the flounder fillets generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring even coverage.
- Heat a large non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat, allowing the pan to become hot before adding any ingredients.
- Melt butter in the heated skillet, swirling to coat the bottom of the pan evenly and prevent burning.
- Add minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
- Carefully place the seasoned flounder fillets into the butter and garlic, cooking for approximately 3-4 minutes on the first side until golden brown.
- Gently flip the fillets using a thin spatula and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on the second side until fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fillets during the last minute of cooking, allowing the citrus to infuse into the fish.
- Remove fillets from the pan and transfer to a serving platter, spooning the remaining lemon butter sauce over the top.
- Garnish with additional fresh lemon wedges and chopped parsley if desired, and serve immediately while hot.
Tips
- • Always pat your fish dry before cooking to ensure a crispy, golden exterior • Use a non-stick or cast-iron skillet for the best sear • Watch your garlic carefully - it should be fragrant, not browned • Don't overcrowd the pan to maintain high heat and proper browning • Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest, most vibrant flavor • Serve immediately while the fish is hot and the butter sauce is still sizzling • For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or dill • Pair with a light white wine or crisp salad for a complete meal
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 85mg
