The Best Way To Cook Flounder [10 Delicious Flounder Recipes] (2024)

It’s flounder time!

We recently posted a video on the best way to filet a flounder (you can see that flounder post here), and the #1 question we received was what’s our favorite way to cook flounder.

Which makes sense…

There’s something about catching a fish yourself, filleting it, cooking it and eating it that satisfies you in a deeply primal way.

Add in the thrill of the catch, a fun time on the water, plus the joy of sitting around the dinner table with family, and eating a fish dinner might be the most satisfying meal out there.

But to make sure you’re getting the most out of your flounder dinner, you want to make sure you’re following the best flounder recipes.

Everybody loved our Grouper and Mahi Mahi recipe posts, so we went and did the same thing here: rounding up all the best flounder recipes and flounder cooking tactics so you can master flounder in the kitchen.

(Note: if you want to learn how to catch more flounder for the dinner table, check this out.)

Bonus: we’ll also share some flounder filet tips so you can make sure you’re getting the biggest filets possible from your flounder.

Related post:

How To Catch Flounder (Plus Free PDF Catch Card)

Best Flounder Recipes

Created by the best foodies and chefs, below are some of the best recipes for cooking flounder.

They’re in no particular order, and we tried to find the ones that were quick and easy, as well as delicious.

Let us know if we missed any of your favorites in the comments!

1. Baked Flounder with Panko and Parmesan

Looking to add a little crispiness to your flounder?

Check out this panko crusted flounder dish with lemon and parmesan cheese.

Round it off with some rice and broccoli and you’ve got yourself a delicious, healthy meal!

See the full recipe here.

2. Broiled Flounder with Lemon Cream Sauce

For a quick and easy, yet delicious, flounder recipe, it’s tough to beat this broiled flounder with lemon creamsauce.

Brush the flounder with melted butter and sprinkle some old bay seasoning on it, and while it’s broiling whip up the lemon cream sauce.

How To Fillet Flounder [VIDEO]

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3. Flounder Piccata

For an Italian spin on fresh flounder, try this Flounder Piccata recipe.

Lightly pan-fry the flounder and serve with a lemon, wine, butter sauce, plus capers and parsley.

For a fancy (yet simple) recipe, this one is tough to beat.

See the whole recipe here.

4. Blackened Flounder

If you’re looking for a spicy and bold way to serve your prized flounder, blackened is an excellent choice.

Bust out the cast-iron skillet and heat that bad boy up, it’s about to get smoky in here!

In about 10 minutes floundery goodness will be on your table, ready to be paired with a tossed salad and roasted potatoes, and devoured by you and your family.

Check out the full recipe here.

5. Carribean Flounder Tacos

Bring the flavor of the Caribbean home with these Caribbean flounder tacos.

Cooked on the grill (or grill pan) and then served with mango chutney, home-made slaw and topped with cilantro, welcome to fish taco perfection.

See the full recipe here.

Want To Catch More Flounder In Less Time?

Check out our Flounder Mastery Course where you’ll get the best tips, spots, shortcuts, and tools to catch flounder fast!

Click here to learn more.

6. Flounder Oreganata

Looking for a crispy Mediterranean flounder recipe?

Flounder Oreganata is your answer.

Oregano- and garlic-infused breadcrumbs, fetta orzo, tomatoes, olives and lemon is just the thing to satisfy your taste buds on a beautiful summer night.

See the full recipe here.

7. Texas Style Grilled Flounder

This Texas rub is the perfect, savory blend forgrilled flounder.

It’s simple, healthy, and absolutely delicious.

Add some sliced and grilled red potatoes, with some grilled zucchini, and you have yourself a wonderful, healthy meal with minimal clean up.

See the full recipe here.

Catch Clean Cook GIANT Flounder [VIDEO]

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8. Flounder With Lemon Butter Sauce

For an elegant weeknight meal, flounder with lemon butter sauce is tough to beat.

Its crispy crust, juicy center, and lemon butter sauce is just the ticket.

They key to the crispy crust here is to use fresh flounder.

Thawed frozen flounder gives off quite a bit of moisture, which destroys the crispiness.

See the full recipe here.

Note: want to catch more fresh flounder? Check this out.

9. Coconut-Crusted Flounder

Want a sweet, savory way to cook your flounder?

Try this coconut-crusted flounder with curried rice and sweet chili-lime sauce.

Notorious for making the whole neighborhood wondering what magic is going on in your kitchen, this is a simply delicious meal.

Served with curried rice and sauteed broccoli, your taste buds will be break-dancing with joy throughout the whole meal.

See the full recipe here.

10. Flounder Au Gratin

Crispy, cheesy flounder?

Yes, please.

Baked with a parmesan, herb, buttery crust, the whole family will fall in love with Flounder Au Gratin.

Plus, it just takes 30 minutes to prepare and cook, so you’ll have plenty of time to whip this up after a day out on the water.

See the full recipe here.

Conclusion

I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to eat some flounder!

Did we miss any of your favorite flounder recipes?

Let us know in the comments!

And if you want to catch more flounder, check out our Flounder Mastery Course.

We’ll teach you everything you need to know to bring more fresh flounder home for the dinner table.

Want To Catch More Flounder In Less Time?

Check out our Flounder Mastery Course where you’ll get the best tips, spots, shortcuts, and tools to catch flounder fast!

Click here to learn more.

How To Catch Flounder (Plus Free PDF Catch Card)
The Best Way To Cook Grouper [10 Amazing Grouper Recipes]
How To Catch More Flounder With This Paddletail Lure [VIDEO]

The Best Way To Cook Flounder [10 Delicious Flounder Recipes] (2024)

FAQs

How is flounder supposed to be cooked? ›

Whole flounder is good sautéed, steamed or roasted. Fillets are excellent sautéed with a coating of flour or light breading to crisp the soft flesh and prevent them from falling apart.

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How do you cook flounder so it doesn't taste fishy? ›

Here's what you do:

First, make sure your flounder fillets are clean and dry. ...
Roll each fillet in a bit of flour. ...
Heat up a pan with butter or oil (like olive or vegetable oil) on medium-high heat. ...
Cook each side for about 2-3 minutes until they turn a golden brown color.

Apr 1, 2020

See Details ›

Do you have to flip flounder? ›

Pat the fillet dry and place it into a well-seasoned cast-iron or nonstick skillet with a few tablespoons of heated oil, butter, or other fat. Turn the pieces only once―the first side down gets the crispest. You don't need to turn baked or broiled fillets at all.

What is the safe cooking temperature for flounder? ›

But no matter the type of fish you decide to bake, its internal temperature should be 140 to 145 degrees F when cooked.

How do you prepare fresh flounder? ›

Cut the head off, making sure to leave as much of flesh as possible on the body, but cutting the gills and pectoral fins off with the head. Remove the guts through the forward opening. If you have problems getting everything out, cut a slit along the fish's length for better access. Rinse the fish, and pat dry.

Explore More ›

Why do you soak flounder in milk? ›

Before cooking, soak the fish in milk for 20 minutes

In this scenario, the protein in the milk binds with the compounds that cause that fishy odor, in essence extracting if from the fish.

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Should you rinse flounder fillets before cooking? ›

It is completely unnecessary to rinse any type of protein — fish included — unless you feel it's starting to smell off, in which case rinsing is sort of a last-ditch effort to get one more day out of it. Not necessary but many hands and surfaces have come in contact with that fish.

How can I make my fish more flavorful? ›

6 Tips for Cooking the Best Fish Ever

Trust your nose. One of the most common mistakes new seafood cooks make is buying or cooking fresh fish that is too old. ...
Pat seafood dry before cooking. ...
Season the pan, not the fish. ...
Place the fish skin side down. ...
Use gentle heat even on a grill. ...
Only flip it once.

Know More ›

How do you cook flounder without it falling apart? ›

For fragile, flaky fish such as flounder, catfish, and cod, double coating it in flour, egg wash, and then breadcrumbs protects its delicate flesh from falling apart as it cooks, acting as a barrier between the fish and the pan to keep everything intact.

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What's better tilapia or flounder? ›

Flounder is a healthy saltwater fish. It's a mild, white fish with a similar texture to tilapia and high in vitamin B12. Unlike tilapia, flounder has omega-3 fats. Next time you're making a recipe that calls for tilapia, try swapping in flounder instead.

Why is my flounder mushy? ›

A mushy fish is a sure sign that it was not only once frozen, but thawed out improperly. And sadly, no matter how good your seasonings and marinades are, the texture of a mushy fish makes any meal unpleasant. A good way to avoid this is to slowly thaw out the fish overnight in the refrigerator.

Learn More Now ›

What month is best for flounder? ›

Flounder are an ambush predator, which will burrow into the mud bottom and lay in wait for other fish to swim within striking distance. The best time to catch flounder is during their fall migration to the Gulf, typically from October to December, in the channels and passes leading to the Gulf.

Is flounder a healthy fish? ›

Flounder is a highly nutritious option. Not only is it a low-fat and low-calorie source of protein, but it's also rich in vitamin B12, vitamin D, selenium, and Omega-3 fatty acids, which help improve joint, cardiovascular, and mental health.

How long is a 10 pound flounder? ›

Size—

Length	Average weight in pounds
22 inches	4
27 inches	8
30 inches	10
37 inches	20

3 more rows

Read On ›

Is flounder supposed to be fishy? ›

Flounder is a mild-tasting fish with slight sweetness and a delicate, flaky texture. It's a slightly fatty fish, but not fishy-tasting.

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Is flounder supposed to be soft? ›

Flounder is a thinner flat fish with both eyes on one side of the head. This fish, whole or in fillets, can be cooked by most cooking methods. It is a mild tasting white fish with a soft texture. Due to the soft texture one of my favorite ways of cooking it is by stuffing.

Keep Reading ›

Why is my cooked flounder mushy? ›

It's easy to accidentally overcook seafood, especially small shellfish—like shrimp and mussels—and thin fish fillets. The texture can also turn out mushy if it is too saturated with water. Fortunately, you can start making restaurant-quality seafood at home with these seafood cooking tips.

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Is flounder pink when cooked? ›

You can find flounder fillets anywhere from tan, pinkish-red, to snow white, but one thing always remains the same: Their meat is stark white when cooked.

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