fried halibut

How to Cook Perfect Pan-Seared Flounder

Pan-seared flounder is a quick, elegant dish with crispy skin and tender flesh. Here’s a simple guide to mastering it.

Ingredients: 2 flounder fillets (6-8 oz each), 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp butter, salt, pepper, 1 lemon (cut into wedges), fresh herbs (thyme or parsley, optional).

Steps:

1. Prep the Fish: Pat fillets dry with paper towels—this ensures crispy skin. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

2. Heat the Pan: Place a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and butter; wait until the butter foams and subsides (about 1 minute).

3. Sear the Fish: Gently place fillets skin-side down. Press lightly with a spatula for 10 seconds to prevent curling. Cook 3-4 minutes until skin is golden and crisp.

4. Flip and Finish: Carefully flip fillets. Cook 2-3 more minutes until flesh is opaque and flakes easily.

5. Serve: Transfer to plates, garnish with herbs and lemon wedges. Pair with rice or roasted veggies.

Tips: Avoid overcrowding the pan—cook in batches if needed. For extra flavor, add minced garlic or capers to the pan after flipping. Enjoy this restaurant-quality dish in under 20 minutes!