Baked Flounder With Buttery Parmesan Bread Crumbs

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Looking for an easy flounder recipe that brings out the best flavors of this mild white fish? Look no further than this Baked Flounder with Parmesan Lemon Bread Crumbs recipe. This seafood dish boasts a delicate fish fillet topped with a crispy crust made from a simple mixture of melted butter, garlic, parmesan and the perfect amount of crunch from panko breadcrumbs.

A piece of battered baked flounder served with green beans and roasted potatoes.

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Why This Flounder Recipe is the Best
Ingredients
What Does Flounder Taste Like
Variations
Tip
Substitutes
How to Make Baked Flounder
How to Store Leftovers
Frequently Asked Questions
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Why This Flounder Recipe is the Best

Fast. In under 20 minutes you can have a beautiful fish fillet on the table.
Simple Ingredients.
Crispy Fish without a heavy batter.

In just a short cooking time, your flounder filet will be transformed into a delicious main course for a busy weeknight dinner. It has quickly become one of our favorite flounder recipes. It pairs well alongside a variety of quick and simple side dishes. Serve it with Sautéed Green Beans, a crispy Cucumber Onion Vinegar Salad, a crunchy Chinese Coleslaw. Or pair it with a fluffy Jasmine Rice and a simple green salad or steamed vegetables..

Ingredients

Flounder filets: You can use fresh or frozen filets. If using frozen fish fillets, defrost them overnight in the refrigerator or place them under cold water in the sink.
Bread crumbs: Fresh bread crumbs or Panko bread crumbs work equally well.
Topping blend: Parmesan cheese, melted butter, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. These basic components harmonize to deliver a burst of flavor and texture.

What Does Flounder Taste Like

Flounder is a mild white fish with a subtle mild flavor. It pairs perfectly with the citrusy notes of lemon and the savory kick of Parmesan cheese. The breadcrumbs add a nice crispy crust without being overpowering.

There is no reason to soak these filets in milk, as they are not fishy tasting. Flounder also doesn't need a lot of toppings or breading to make it taste terrific. This easy fish recipe allows the delicate fish to shine through while infusing it with crisp, fresh flavors.

Variations

Add zucchini. Slice fresh zucchini and then cut slices into half rounds. Toss slices with olive oil, minced garlic and lemon zest.

Sweet onions. Slice onions such as Vidalia into thin slices and in half rounds. Separate the rings and toss in the the zucchini.

Mince one clove of garlic and add it to the breading mixture for a delicious lemon garlic flavor. If you have ready-minced garlic, use ½ of a teaspoon.

Tip

If you are adding extra vegetables to the dish, you will need more cooking surface. Prepare a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or a piece of parchment paper. Add both the flounder and the vegetables to the sheet pan.

Substitutes

While flounder is the recommended fish for this recipe, mild alternatives like Dover sole, halibut or barramundi can be used as substitutes.
You can also use other mild tasting fish such as cod or halibut, but they are usually thicker. So, you will have to increase the cooking time slightly.
Replace the butter with olive oil. Or exchange part of the butter for olive oil. The taste won't be as rich and the breadcrumbs will not brown as nicely. However, it is a healthier alternative.

Crispy pieces of baked flounder on a platter with lemon wedges.

How to Make Baked Flounder

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F.
Pat the flounder filets dry with paper towels. This helps the fish get crispy and achieve a flaky texture during baking.
Arrange the fish filets in a baking dish, without overlapping, and season with kosher salt and black pepper..
In a small bowl, combine the fresh grated Parmesan, the breadcrumbs, the melted butter, the olive oil, and a touch of lemon juice. Sprinkle each filet with the mixture.
Bake the flounder in the preheated oven until the fish flakes easily when tested with a fork and the topping turns a golden brown. This will take only about 15 minutes.
Let the flounder filets rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with lemon wedges.

To make fresh breadcrumbs:

You can use bread you already have on hand. I would not use breads with heavy seeds or nuts. Remove the crusts and cut the bread into cubes. Pulse the cubes in a food processor until coarse crumbs are formed.

The recipe uses fresh breadcrumbs. If you are using Panko crumbs, reduce the amount by one-fourth.

How to Store Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

When reheating, use the oven or air fryer to maintain the crispy crust. Reheat them in a 300 degree oven for about 5 minutes or until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to eat flounder?

The best way to enjoy flounder is when it's cooked to perfection, showcasing its delicate flavor and tender texture. Baking it with a flavorful topping like the Garlic Parmesan Panko creates a delightful contrast of crispy and flaky textures that brings out the best in this mild white fish.

How is flounder traditionally cooked?

Flounder is traditionally cooked using various methods, including baking, broiling, pan-frying, and grilling. Baking, as featured in this recipe, is a popular choice as it retains the fish's natural moisture and flavors while allowing for creative topping combinations that enhance its taste.

Is flounder a good fish to eat?

Absolutely! Flounder is a highly regarded fish for its mild taste and flaky texture. Its versatility makes it a great canvas for experimenting with different flavors and seasonings. When prepared thoughtfully, like in the Baked Flounder with Garlic Parmesan Panko recipe, it can be a delightful addition to your seafood repertoire.

How do you cook flounder so it doesn't taste fishy?

To prevent a fishy taste, it's important to start with fresh flounder fillets. Properly seasoning the fish and using complementary ingredients like lemon juice and garlic, as in this recipe, helps balance out any potential fishiness, resulting in a delicious and enjoyable dish.

Should you rinse flounder before cooking it?

It's generally not recommended to rinse fish, including flounder, before cooking. Rinsing can spread bacteria and diminish the flavor. Instead, pat the fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crispy and golden-brown crust when baking the fish.

Why do you soak flounder in milk?

Soaking fish in milk is a technique used to help reduce any strong or fishy odors that the fish might have. The milk's enzymes can neutralize some of the compounds responsible for the fishy smell, resulting in a milder aroma and flavor. It's an optional step that some people find beneficial, especially when working with more strongly flavored fish. This step is really not necessary with flounder as it is such a mild fish.

This Baked Flounder with Parmesan Panko recipe is more than just a meal – it's an invitation to savor the simple elegance of fresh fish elevated by a harmonious blend of flavors. It's a dish that effortlessly makes its way onto your list of favorite recipes, offering the perfect combination of ease and taste.

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