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Pan Seared Flounder with Brown Butter and Lemon

Two golden fillets of Pan Seared Flounder covered in brown butter sauce and fresh parsley.
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A simple recipe for pan-searing delicate flounder fillets to a golden crisp and finishing them with a rich brown butter and bright lemon sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 (6 ounce) flounder fillets, skin off
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Pat the flounder fillets completely dry using paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron or stainless steel works well) over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Carefully place the flounder fillets in the hot skillet, ensuring they do not touch. Sear for 3 to 4 minutes without moving them until a golden-brown crust forms.
  4. Gently flip the fillets. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Remove the fish from the skillet and set aside on a plate, keeping them warm.
  5. Add the 6 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet over medium heat. Allow the butter to melt, foam, and then subside. Continue cooking, swirling the pan occasionally, until the milk solids at the bottom turn a deep amber color and the butter smells nutty. This is brown butter.
  6. Immediately remove the skillet from the heat. Carefully whisk in the fresh lemon juice; the sauce will bubble vigorously. Stir in the lemon zest and chopped parsley.
  7. Spoon the brown butter sauce evenly over the seared flounder fillets before serving.

Notes

  • For best searing results, do not overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if necessary.
  • If you are unsure about the doneness of the fish, use an instant-read thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • This dish pairs well with steamed asparagus or simple roasted potatoes.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookifyme.com/pan-seared-flounder-with-brown-butter-and-lemon/