Pan-seared Flounder with Lemon Butter is the perfect quick, and easy seafood dinner. The light, flaky fish is dredged in flour, seared in a mix of olive oil and butter until golden, then finished with a fresh lemon garlic butter sauce.
Why You Will Love This Flounder Recipe
- Quick and Easy Dinner – This flounder filet recipe comes together in under 20 minutes from start to finish.
- Fresh and Flavorful – The lemon butter garlic sauce adds brightness and richness to the delicate fish.
- Simple Ingredients – No hard-to-find items, just pantry staples and fresh herbs.
- Restaurant-Quality at Home – Seared until golden and finished with butter, it’s an easy fish dish you’d expect at a fine seafood restaurant.
- Versatile Seafood Dish – Works with other mild white fish like cod, sole, or tilapia.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Flounder – Swap with cod, halibut, sole, or tilapia. Salmon is also a great alternative.
- Flour – Use gluten-free flour or almond flour for a low-carb option.
- Butter – Ghee or plant-based butter alternatives work well.
- Lemon Juice – Fresh lime juice or white wine can be used for a different flavor.
- Parsley – Try fresh dill, chives, or basil for a new twist.
How to Prepare Flounder with Lemon Butter Sauce
- Pat the flounder filets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Lightly dredge each filet in flour, shaking off any excess.
- Heat the olive oil and one tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the flounder filets and sear for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Wipe the skillet clean. Add three tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds.
- Stir in the lemon juice and parsley. Let the sauce simmer for a minute.
- Spoon the lemon butter over the top of the pan seared flounder.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
How to Serve and Store
- Serve this flounder with lemon butter sauce with rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh garden salad. A side of pasta or mashed potatoes also works perfectly.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheat gently in a skillet with a little butter to avoid drying out the fish.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen flounder? Yes, just be sure to thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning and dredging. Moisture prevents a good sear.
- Do I have to dredge the fish in flour? The flour helps create a light crust and prevents sticking, but you can skip it for a gluten-free or lighter option.
- Can I make this ahead of time? It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the sauce ingredients and have everything ready to cook in minutes.
- How do I keep the fish from falling apart? Flounder is delicate. Use a thin fish spatula and only flip once during cooking.
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Flounder with Lemon Butter
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
Flounder with Lemon Butter is a quick and easy seafood dinner. The fish is light, flaky and finished with a bright lemon butter garlic sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 flounder filets
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/8 cup flour (for dredging)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- fresh parsley, for garnish
- lemon wedges, for serving
For the Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Pat the flounder filets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Lightly dredge each filet in flour, shaking off any excess.
- Heat the olive oil and one tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the flounder filets and sear for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Wipe the skillet clean. Add three tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds.
- Stir in the lemon juice and parsley. Let the sauce simmer for a minute.
- Spoon the lemon butter over the top of the pan seared flounder.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
- ENJOY!
Notes
- Always pat the fish completely dry to help the flour adhere and achieve a golden crust.
- Use a stainless steel or nonstick skillet for best results.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook the flounder in batches, if necessary.
- Fresh lemon juice makes a huge difference in flavor.
- Garnish with extra parsley or lemon slices for presentation.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Easy
- Cuisine: Fish and Seafood
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WELCOME! My name is Melissa Latin aka. Charlotte Fashion Plate. Happy to meet you! I am more than just recipes. I love fashion and style too! Most importantly, I love my Family (my Hubby and my Fur Babies). My Husband (aka my “Kitchen Bitch”) means the world to me. He’s pretty damn cool too. Not only is he one of the nicest guys you will ever meet, he also has had a lengthy career in professional hockey. Not only winning two Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins in the early ’90’s, but most recently winning the Calder Cup with the Charlotte Checkers, amongst many other accolades. If you live in Charlotte and play hockey, or have a family member who plays, be sure to contact him!
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