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Pan-Seared Flounder with Brown Butter and Lemon

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A simple yet sophisticated pan-seared flounder dish drizzled with a nutty brown butter sauce and a hint of fresh lemon.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 flounder fillets (4–6 oz / 115–170 g each)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • About 1 cup all-purpose flour, for dredging
  • 6 tablespoons salted butter
  • 1 sprig fresh thyme (optional)
  • Juice of 1 lemon, plus extra lemon wedges for serving
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Pat the flounder fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a medium to large sauté pan over high heat, making sure the bottom of the pan is well coated.
  3. Dredge each fillet lightly in flour, shaking off any excess. Carefully place the fillet into the hot oil.
  4. Sear for about 2 minutes, until the edges begin to turn opaque. Using a fish spatula, gently flip and cook for another 1–2 minutes on the other side, depending on thickness. Transfer to a plate and repeat with remaining fillets.
  5. Discard the oil and wipe the pan clean. Reduce heat to medium. Add the butter and cook until it turns golden brown and smells nutty, about 4 minutes.
  6. Add the thyme sprig, if using. Remove from heat and immediately squeeze in the lemon juice, swirling the pan to combine.
  7. Place one fillet on each plate, spoon the brown butter sauce over the top, sprinkle with parsley, and serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Notes

Ensure your oil is hot enough before adding the fillets for optimal crispiness. Don’t overcrowd the pan, and watch the butter closely as it browns.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://ameliasweets.com/2026/05/08/pan-seared-flounder-brown-butter-lemon/

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