Oven-Baked Flounder Recipes: Delicious & Easy to Make
Flounder, a delicate white fish, is a fantastic choice for a healthy and flavorful meal. Its mild taste makes it incredibly versatile, lending itself well to a variety of seasonings and cooking methods. This post focuses on oven-baked flounder recipes, offering simple yet impressive options perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. We'll cover everything from preparation tips to serving suggestions, ensuring you achieve perfectly cooked, flaky flounder every time.
Why Choose Oven-Baked Flounder?
Oven-baking flounder offers several advantages:
- Simplicity: It's a straightforward cooking method requiring minimal hands-on time.
- Health: Baking helps retain the fish's natural moisture and nutrients, while minimizing added fats.
- Flavor Versatility: You can customize your flounder with countless herbs, spices, and sauces.
- Easy Cleanup: Baking often results in less mess compared to other cooking techniques.
Simple Lemon Herb Baked Flounder
This recipe is a classic for a reason – it's incredibly easy and lets the flounder's natural flavor shine.
Ingredients:
- 2 flounder fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs (parsley, dill, thyme – your choice!)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Lightly grease a baking dish.
- Place the flounder fillets in the dish.
- Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Top each fillet with lemon slices and herbs.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Creamy Parmesan Baked Flounder
For a richer, more indulgent experience, try this creamy parmesan version.
Ingredients:
- 2 flounder fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place flounder fillets in a greased baking dish.
- In a small bowl, combine melted butter, heavy cream, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the creamy mixture over the flounder fillets.
- Sprinkle generously with parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and the topping is golden brown.
Tips for Perfectly Baked Flounder:
- Don't overcook: Overcooked flounder will be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Pat dry: Patting the fillets dry before baking helps them brown and crisp up better.
- Fresh herbs are best: Fresh herbs provide a brighter, more vibrant flavor than dried herbs.
- Serve immediately: Baked flounder is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven.
Serving Suggestions:
Oven-baked flounder pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, including:
- Roasted vegetables: Asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts.
- Rice pilaf: A simple rice dish with herbs and vegetables.
- Lemon wedges: A classic accompaniment that brightens the flavor.
- A simple salad: A fresh green salad balances the richness of the fish.
With its mild flavor and versatility, flounder is a fantastic fish to incorporate into your weekly meal plan. These oven-baked recipes are a great starting point for exploring the delicious possibilities of this healthy and flavorful fish. Enjoy!
