Flounder is a very popular fish in the culinary world. It is a member of the flatfish family. It is what a lot of first-time fish eaters eat. It tends to be very popular even with people who do not care much for fish.
Like Mahi Mahi, flounder has a mild flavor with sweet undertones. Its texture is very delicate to the point that if you are not gentle with them the fillets will fall apart. Flounder has very low levels of oiliness and moisture.
Flounder is a low to medium “fishy” fish. Because of this, a larger variety of people enjoy eating it. It also has a very low fishy odor.
The Texture of Flounder
Flounder has a delicate texture, which may make it difficult to cook for beginners. Flounder fillets can easily fall apart during the cooking process if you are not gentle with them. While the texture is delicate, it is still firm. It is a low moisture fish with minimal oiliness.
Depending on what kind of flounder it is and where it comes from, it will have a different texture. For example, the Pacific Dover, considered to be a lower quality fish, has soft flesh. The yellowtail flounder, on the other hand, is a higher-quality fish that has a lean, delicate, and firmer fillet.
How to Prepare Flounder
There are a variety of seasonings that go well with flounder. They will liven up your dinner.
Seasonings
- Salt
- Pepper
- Paprika
- Dill
- Capers
- Tartar sauce
- Lemon
- Parsley
- Fennel
- Parmesan
Pan-Seared Flounder
This is one of the more difficult ways to prepare flounder as the fish is so delicate. As you flip it, it may fall apart. Regardless, it will still come out tasty with a slight buttery taste.
It is prepared by heating olive oil in a saute pan. The fish is then added and cooked for three minutes on each side. It must be flipped with care between sides or it will fall apart.
Fried Flounder
A more traditional method involves dipping the fish in flour and frying it in oil. When it is done, you will have a crispy, salty dish. Again, if you are not delicate with how you handle the fish, it will fall apart.
Poaching
Another term for cooking in water, this allows the flounder to be cooked and retain its juiciness. It also allows for the absorption of the flavors of the liquid it was cooked in, which often includes a wine. Prepare this dish by
- Bringing your liquid to a boil
- Reducing it to a simmer
- Slowly lowering the flounder into the liquid
- Poaching the fish until it is just cooked through
Baked Flounder
Flounder can be baked in the oven with simple seasonings like salt, pepper, and lemon. You need to make sure that you do not overcook it as it will dry out. The texture firms up when cooked this way as the fish dries out in the oven.
Conclusion
Flounder is a very mild fish with sweet undertones. It is comparable to sole and halibut. It is very popular with those who do not care much about eating fish.
Its texture is firm but delicate. It can be prepared in a variety of ways that accent its flavor and texture.
