Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving something crispy, flavorful, and satisfying, but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen? Then look no further! This recipe for the best fried flounder is your answer. It's a quick and easy meal, perfect for a weeknight dinner, and guaranteed to become a family favorite. This recipe is a delicious example of homemade cooking at its finest, delivering a restaurant-quality dish without the restaurant prices.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound flounder fillets, cut into serving pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Pat the flounder fillets dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving a crispy crust. Excess moisture will cause the flour to steam instead of crisp.
Prepare the Batter:
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In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
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In a separate shallow dish, pour the milk.
Fry the Flounder:
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Dip each flounder fillet in the milk, ensuring it's fully coated.
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Dredge the milk-coated fillet in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure the flour adheres well. Shake off any excess flour.
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Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The oil is ready when a pinch of flour sizzles immediately.
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Carefully place the flounder fillets in the hot oil, avoiding overcrowding the pan. Work in batches if necessary. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy fish.
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Fry for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The flounder is cooked when it flakes easily with a fork.
Serve and Enjoy:
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Remove the fried flounder from the skillet and place it on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
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Serve immediately with your favorite sides, such as coleslaw, french fries, hushpuppies, or a simple side salad.
Tips for the Best Fried Flounder:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and lead to greasy, soggy fish. Fry in batches for best results.
- Use high-quality oil: Vegetable oil with a high smoke point is recommended for frying.
- Adjust seasonings: Feel free to experiment with other seasonings, such as cayenne pepper for a spicier kick, or Old Bay seasoning for a classic seafood flavor.
- Check for doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the flounder reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Variations:
- Spicy Fried Flounder: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the flour mixture for a spicy twist.
- Lemon-Herb Fried Flounder: Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or thyme to the flour mixture, and squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the cooked flounder.
- Cornmeal Fried Flounder: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with cornmeal for a coarser, more flavorful crust.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Around 250-300
- Protein: Around 20-25g
- Fat: Around 15-20g
This delicious and easy fried flounder recipe is perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner. It's a great example of healthy meals that don't require hours of preparation. Try it tonight and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills! This recipe provides easy recipes that are perfect for quick dinner ideas. Enjoy!