Flounder Meunière with Lemon Butter (Printable)

Lightly dredged flounder pan-fried to golden perfection, topped with nutty browned butter and fresh lemon juice.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Fish

01 - 4 flounder fillets, skin removed, approximately 5.3 oz each
02 - 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
03 - 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Dredging

04 - 0.5 cup all-purpose flour

→ Cooking

05 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
06 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

→ Sauce

07 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
08 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
09 - 2 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley
10 - Lemon wedges for serving

# How-To Steps:

01 - Pat flounder fillets dry using paper towels. Season both sides evenly with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
02 - Place all-purpose flour on a shallow plate. Dredge each fillet lightly in flour, ensuring even coating and shaking off any excess.
03 - Heat 2 tablespoons unsalted butter and olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until the butter becomes foamy.
04 - Add flounder fillets to the skillet, working in batches if necessary to avoid crowding. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer cooked fillets to a warm serving platter.
05 - Wipe out the skillet with paper towels. Add the remaining 4 tablespoons unsalted butter. Cook over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes until it turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma.
06 - Remove skillet from heat. Stir in fresh lemon juice and chopped flat-leaf parsley. Immediately spoon the browned butter sauce over the fish fillets.
07 - Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Elegant yet quick: A refined French meal that comes together in only 20 minutes.
  • Simple Technique: Uses basic pan-frying and butter-browning skills to create complex flavors.
  • Pescatarian-Friendly: A high-protein, light main dish perfect for seafood lovers.
  • Bright Flavors: The combination of fresh lemon and parsley cuts through the richness of the browned butter beautifully.
02 -
  • Stay Dry: Always pat the fish thoroughly dry with paper towels; moisture is the enemy of a crisp crust.
  • Watch the Butter: Browned butter can turn into burnt butter very quickly. Remove it from the heat the moment it smells nutty and looks golden.
  • Fresh is Best: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice and fresh flat-leaf parsley to ensure the sauce has a bright, vibrant finish.
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