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Pan-Seared Flounder with Brown Butter Lemon Sauce

Three fillets of perfectly Pan-Seared Flounder Brown Butter Lemon glistening in sauce and topped with fresh parsley.
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Cook tender flounder fillets perfectly by pan-searing them and topping them with a simple, nutty brown butter and bright lemon sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 (6 ounce) flounder fillets, about 1/2 inch thick
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (optional, for light dredging)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Pat the flounder fillets completely dry using paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper. If you desire a slightly crispier crust, lightly dredge the fillets in flour, shaking off any excess.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large, non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
  3. Carefully place the flounder fillets in the hot skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Remove the cooked fish from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
  4. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the 6 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet. Allow the butter to melt and foam. Continue cooking, swirling the pan occasionally, until the milk solids turn golden brown and the butter smells nutty (this is brown butter or beurre noisette). This takes about 3 to 5 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
  5. Remove the skillet from the heat immediately. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest. The sauce will bubble briefly.
  6. Spoon the brown butter lemon sauce evenly over the cooked flounder fillets. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh, high-quality butter for the best flavor in the sauce.
  • If you do not have flounder, this method works well for sole or tilapia.
  • Serve immediately with steamed asparagus or roasted potatoes.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://flavorvista.com/pan-seared-flounder-brown-butter-lemon/