Imagine a dish that transforms ordinary fish into an extraordinary culinary masterpiece - a recipe that will make your taste buds dance and your dinner guests absolutely stunned! This Baked Flounder with Scallop Stuffing is not just a meal, it's a gourmet experience that combines the delicate sweetness of scallops with the tender, flaky texture of flounder in a mouth-watering fusion that screams elegance and deliciousness. Whether you're a seafood enthusiast or looking to impress your family with a restaurant-quality dinner, this recipe is your ticket to culinary stardom.
Prep Time: 25 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 flounder fillets
- 1 cup scallops, chopped
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a medium skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and celery, sautéing until they become soft and translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add chopped scallops to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until they are just beginning to turn opaque. Remove from heat.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed scallops, onions, and celery with breadcrumbs. Stir in lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly to create the stuffing.
- Lay the flounder fillets flat on a clean work surface. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Spoon the scallop stuffing evenly onto one half of each flounder fillet, then carefully fold the other half over the stuffing to create a filled packet.
- Place the stuffed fillets in the prepared baking dish, ensuring they are not overlapping.
- Drizzle the remaining melted butter over the top of the fillets.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork and the stuffing is heated through.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 3-5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or lemon wedges if desired.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Seafood: The key to an outstanding dish is using the freshest flounder and scallops available. Look for fillets that are firm, moist, and have a clean, ocean-like smell.
- Don't Overcook: Seafood can quickly become tough and rubbery. Watch your cooking time carefully and remove the fish from the oven as soon as it becomes opaque and flakes easily.
- Uniform Chopping: When preparing scallops and vegetables, aim for consistent, small pieces to ensure even cooking and a balanced stuffing texture.
- Butter is Your Friend: The melted butter not only adds flavor but helps keep the fish moist and prevents it from sticking to the baking dish.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the dish to rest for a few minutes after baking helps the juices redistribute, ensuring each bite is succulent and flavorful.
- Optional Garnish: Fresh herbs like parsley or a squeeze of lemon can brighten the dish and add a fresh, zesty note to complement the rich seafood.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 314kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 90mg
