24 Sensational Flounder Recipes for a Delicious Weeknight Dinner

Laura Hauser

August 20, 2025

Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a culinary newbie, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of discovering new flavors and textures in your cooking.

Flounder is an excellent choice for anyone looking to shake up their dinner routine with some easy-to-make recipes that are sure to tantalize the taste buds. With its mild flavor and firm texture, flounder is an incredibly versatile ingredient that can be prepared in a variety of ways – grilled, baked, or pan-fried, it’s always a winner.

Baked Flounder with Lemon Garlic and Butter

Baked Flounder with Lemon Garlic and Butter

Delighting your taste buds with an incredibly easy and delicious flounder recipe, you’ll want to make it on repeat all summer long! With just a few simple ingredients, including lemon, garlic, and butter, you can create a mouthwatering mixture that perfectly coats the fish. Then, simply bake it in the oven to achieve a light and flaky finish packed with flavor. This recipe is ideal for a quick and healthy meal on a hot summer night when you’re short on time. And the best part?

It’s ready in under 30 minutes!

Pan-Seared Blackened Flounder

Pan-Seared Blackened Flounder

Elevating the humble flounder dish is easier than you think, thanks to this straightforward recipe. The key lies in pan-searing the fish and then blackening it with a harmonious blend of spices, resulting in an irresistible crispy crust. Served alongside a light and refreshing lemon and butter sauce, this elegant dish makes for a perfect meal after a long day at work. I often pair it with roasted potatoes and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to round out the flavors.

However, don’t let the simplicity of this recipe fool you – be mindful of cooking time, as overcooking can quickly turn the flounder into an unpleasantly dry and tough texture.

Baked Flounder with Tomatoes and Basil

Baked Flounder with Tomatoes and Basil

Joining the ranks of delightful seafood dishes is this incredible flounder recipe that combines flavors of tomato and basil in perfect harmony. This mouth-watering creation can be effortlessly prepared as a main course or as an appetizer, making it suitable for any occasion. The key to unlocking its full flavor potential lies in cooking the tomatoes in chicken stock and white wine first, allowing them to become juicy and bursting with taste.

Once this base is established, add the fish and fresh basil, then gently pop it into the oven to let the magic happen. This dish finds its perfect match when served alongside brown rice and a refreshing green salad. Alternatively, for a heartier option, pair it with potatoes and an assortment of steamed veggies for a well-rounded meal experience.

Flounder Milanese with Arugula and Tomatoes

Flounder Milanese with Arugula and Tomatoes

Yearning for a dish that’s both healthy and delicious? Look no further! This flounder Milanese recipe is a game-changer, as one bite will have you craving it every week. It’s incredibly quick to prepare, easy to cook, and surprisingly low in calories, making it an ideal option for those on a weight loss journey or seeking healthier eating habits.

The fish is lightly coated with a crispy batter before being pan-fried to perfection, then served atop a bed of fresh arugula, accompanied by juicy sliced tomatoes. To elevate the flavors, simply squeeze a few drops of lemon juice over the dish and enjoy the burst of citrusy goodness.

Spinach Stuffed Flounder

Spinach Stuffed Flounder

Savoring the flavors of a perfectly cooked dish is one of life’s greatest pleasures, and this recipe delivers just that. The succulent fish is generously filled with a delightful mix of spinach and cheese, which not only adds flavor but also provides a boost of nutrients. While you can experiment with different types of cheese to suit your taste, the combination in this recipe truly makes it stand out.

To make it an even more satisfying meal, serve the baked fish alongside a side of fluffy rice or a variety of steamed vegetables, ensuring a well-rounded and delicious dining experience.

Flounder Piccata

Flounder Piccata

Taking centre stage in this delightful summer dish is the pan-seared flounder piccata, which pairs perfectly with a light and zesty lemon-butter sauce, capers, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. This incredibly easy-to-make recipe requires minimal effort, but finding fresh flounder can be a challenge. Nonetheless, once you’ve secured your hands on some high-quality fish, the rest of the cooking process is remarkably straightforward.

Broiled Flounder with Lemon Cream Sauce

Broiled Flounder with Lemon Cream Sauce

Making healthy meals doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor, and this broiled flounder recipe proves just that. Not only is the dish low in fat, but it’s also quick and easy to prepare, taking under 30 minutes from start to finish. The star of the show is undoubtedly the fish itself, which is perfectly broiled and then coated in a tangy lemon cream sauce. This creates a delightful contrast of textures – the tender, flaky flesh beneath a crispy, golden crust.

Fried Flounder with Tartar Sauce

Fried Flounder with Tartar Sauce

Flaunting its golden brown crust, the flounder is a masterclass in textures and flavors. While it may not be the healthiest option, this dish is an absolute must-try for anyone who loves fried fish. The tartar sauce, made with a tangy blend of mayo, pickles, and capers, adds an incredible depth to each bite. Although optional, I highly recommend giving it a go – you won’t regret it! A crucial aspect of achieving the perfect fried fish is getting the fry just right.

If the oil isn’t hot enough, the fish will absorb too much oil, resulting in a greasy mess. Conversely, if it’s too hot, the outside will burn before the inside has had a chance to cook through. To avoid this pitfall, I suggest investing in a digital thermometer to keep track of the temperature. This simple tool ensures that your oil is at its optimal temperature, guaranteeing a crispy exterior and a tender interior.

Skillet Cajun Spiced Fish with Tomatoes

Skillet Cajun Spiced Fish with Tomatoes

Boosting your weeknight dinner routine with a Cajun twist, this flounder recipe offers a flavorful and effortless way to spice up mealtime. The bold combination of Cajun spices brings a nice kick to the dish, perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the tomatoes. And the best part? This entire recipe can be prepared in just one pan, making cleanup a seamless process. Go to Recipe

Spicy Garlic Soy Baked Flounder in a Foil Pouch

Spicy Garlic Soy Baked Flounder in a Foil Pouch

Flavorful flounder recipes often strike a perfect balance between spicy, garlicky, and sweet flavors. This simple yet delicious recipe is no exception, coming together in just a few minutes. In addition to its quick preparation time, this dish has the added convenience of being baked in one easy-to-use foil pouch.

20-Minute Baked Flounder

20-Minute Baked Flounder

Preparing a delicious meal doesn’t have to be a daunting task, especially on busy weeknights when time is limited. This recipe is the perfect solution for those moments when you’re short on time but want something flavorful and satisfying. To start, take the flounder and coat it in a mixture of olive oil and seasonings, ensuring that each piece is evenly covered. Next, apply a crunchy breadcrumb, cheese, and thyme coating before baking to perfection.

The end result will be a dish that’s both tender and golden brown, with a delightful aroma that’s sure to impress. Serve the flounder alongside a simple side of rice and steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal that’s ready in no time.

Fish En Papillote

Fish En Papillote

For those who think cooking French cuisine requires hours of prep time and elaborate presentation, we have some good news: Fish en papillote is a game-changer. This elegant yet effortless method involves wrapping fish and vegetables in parchment paper and baking them to perfection. Believe it or not, this dish is surprisingly easy to prepare.

You can create a stunning meal with minimal fuss by simply placing a filet of fish onto a piece of parchment paper, topping it with your favorite herbs and seasonings, and folding the parchment into a neat packet. Once baked in a preheated oven until the fish is cooked, you’ll be left with a moist, flaky filet that’s bursting with flavor – and all it took was about 15-20 minutes of your time!

Flounder Meunière

Flounder Meunière

Keen cooks will be thrilled to try out this recipe, which showcases your culinary expertise in the best possible way. The fact that it’s a fish dish is a bonus, as everyone loves a good seafood meal. Moreover, the combination of crispy golden-brown flounder fillets and rich, savory butter sauce will undoubtedly impress even the most discerning dinner guests.

Crab Stuffed Flounder

Crab Stuffed Flounder

Yearning for a culinary experience that’s both impressive and mouth-watering? This scrumptious seafood dish is perfect for special occasions like anniversaries or birthday dinners. The flounder is carefully stuffed with a rich mixture of crabmeat, crackers, and fragrant herbs, then baked to perfection until it’s tender and succulently juicy.

Timing is everything – wait patiently for the stunning golden brown color before taking it out of the oven, and don’t forget your phone nearby as this show-stopping dish will undoubtedly need to be shared with friends and family. To elevate it even further, garnish with lemon wedges and a sprig of fresh parsley.

Flounder with Shrimp Stuffing

Flounder with Shrimp Stuffing

Planning a quick and delicious dinner has never been easier, thanks to this foolproof recipe! The shrimp stuffing is an effortless mixture of sautéed shrimp, mixed vegetables, and your choice of seasonings – I personally prefer the classic combination of Old Bay and garlic powder, but feel free to experiment with your favorite flavors. Pair it with a light salad and some crusty bread for a meal that’s sure to become a weekly staple. Bon appetit! Go to Recipe

Thai Steamed Fish in Coconut Sauce

Thai Steamed Fish in Coconut Sauce

Delight your taste buds with this innovative take on a traditional Thai dish. The fish is gently steamed with a medley of fragrant Thai herbs and served in a luscious coconut sauce that’s both light and aromatic, making the entire process from start to finish incredibly quick – under 30 minutes, to be exact. Don’t worry if you can’t find flounder; tilapia or basa make excellent substitutes, allowing for a seamless adaptation of this delectable recipe.

New England Clam Chowder

New England Clam Chowder

Versatile and comforting, this rich soup is an ideal choice for a chilly winter evening. Made with a creamy base of milk or cream, it’s often thickened with flour, creating a smooth and velvety texture.To add a pop of color and freshness, I like to garnish the chowder with crunchy oyster crackers or chopped parsley. And let’s not forget the perfect accompaniment – a warm, crusty loaf of bread that allows you to mop up every last drop of this deliciousness.

Crispy Fried Flounder Chinese-Style

Crispy Fried Flounder Chinese-Style

Just like many of us, I’ve often struggled with cooking fish without overcooking it. One major concern is that we’ll burn the outside before the inside is cooked evenly. However, this recipe has proven to be foolproof time and time again! The key to achieving that perfect crispy exterior lies in the use of cornstarch. When you coat the fish with cornstarch and cook it in a hot pan with butter, the result is a golden brown and perfectly cooked crust.

The addition of white pepper, Shaoxing wine, and scallions gives the dish an authentic Chinese flavor, while the julienned vegetables add a pop of color and freshness.

Flounder Fillets with Pesto

Flounder Fillets with Pesto

Ruling the culinary scene with its mouth-watering flavors, this recipe is sure to become an instant favorite! The delicate flounder fillets are lightly seasoned with a hint of magic, then pan-fried to perfection before being smothered in a rich and creamy pesto sauce. To make the pesto from scratch, simply combine fresh basil leaves, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese for a truly authentic taste. Alternatively, you can opt for store-bought pesto sauce – it’s just as delicious!

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