Baked Flounder Recipe
Whole Baked Flounder
Are you craving a delicious and healthy seafood dish? Look no further because this Whole Baked Flounder recipe is perfect for you! Flounder is a delicate white fish known for its mild flavor and tender texture. When baked whole, it retains all its natural juices and flavors, resulting in a mouthwatering meal that is both impressive and easy to prepare.
Ingredients:
For the Whole Baked Flounder:
- 1 whole flounder (about 2 pounds), scaled and gutted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Rinse the flounder under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Make a few shallow diagonal slashes on both sides of the fish to ensure even cooking.
3. Drizzle the olive oil over the flounder and rub it all over the fish, inside and out.
4. Season the fish with minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Stuff the cavity of the flounder with lemon slices and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
5. Transfer the flounder to the prepared baking dish and cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
6. Bake the flounder for about 20 minutes per pound, or until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
7. Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to allow the skin to crisp up and turn golden brown.
8. Carefully transfer the baked flounder to a serving platter. Garnish with additional lemon slices and parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
How to Prepare:
This Whole Baked Flounder is a delightful dish that will impress your family and friends. Follow these simple steps to prepare it:
1. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Rinse the whole flounder under cold water to remove any impurities. Pat it dry with paper towels.
3. Score the fish by making a few shallow diagonal slashes on both sides. This will help the fish cook more evenly.
4. Drizzle olive oil all over the flounder, making sure to coat it inside and out.
5. Season the fish with minced garlic, salt, and pepper, ensuring that every part is well-seasoned.
6. Stuff the cavity of the flounder with lemon slices for a burst of citrus flavor.
7. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the fish to add a touch of herbaceousness.
8. Transfer the flounder to the prepared baking dish and cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
9. Bake the flounder for about 20 minutes per pound, or until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to allow the skin to crisp up.
10. Once baked to perfection, carefully transfer the flounder to a serving platter, garnish with additional lemon slices and parsley if desired, and serve hot.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 2-4
Nutrition Facts: Unfortunately, specific nutrition information for this recipe is currently unavailable. However, rest assured that flounder is a low-calorie, high-protein fish that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and various vitamins and minerals.
Tips:
- Choose fresh, high-quality flounder for the best flavor and texture.
- Feel free to experiment with different herbs and seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
- Serve this Whole Baked Flounder with a side of roasted vegetables or a refreshing salad for a complete meal.
- Leftover flounder can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It can be enjoyed cold or gently reheated in the oven or microwave.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use frozen flounder for this recipe?
A: While fresh flounder is ideal, you can use thawed frozen flounder if that’s what you have on hand. Just make sure to thaw it properly before preparing the recipe.
Q: Can I use other types of whole fish for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! This recipe works well with other whole fish varieties such as trout, branzino, or snapper. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the size and thickness of the fish.
Q: Can I grill the flounder instead of baking it?
A: Yes, you can! Preheat your grill to medium heat and place the flounder directly on the grill grates. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side or until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily.
Enjoy this delectable and healthy Whole Baked Flounder as a centerpiece of your next meal. Its delicate flavors and moist texture are sure to please your taste buds and impress your loved ones!
