Garlic Parmesan Flounder Recipe

The Ultimate Garlic Parmesan Flounder Recipe for Seafood Lovers

Garlic parmesan flounder crafts ordinary seafood into a culinary masterpiece that sizzles with Mediterranean-inspired flavors.

White fish selections work beautifully with this elegant preparation method.

Delicate, flaky textures complement the robust seasoning profile perfectly.

Rich, golden parmesan creates a crisp exterior that locks in moisture and enhances natural oceanic qualities.

Subtle garlic notes weave through each succulent bite, elevating the dish beyond basic seafood preparations.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward techniques make this recipe accessible for home cooks seeking restaurant-quality results.

The combination promises a memorable dining experience that balances sophisticated taste with effortless cooking.

Garlic Parmesan Flounder That’s Light and Flavorful

  • Savor Effortless Elegance: This recipe transforms simple flounder into a restaurant-worthy dish with minimal kitchen skills required, making gourmet cooking accessible for everyone.
  • Burst of Flavor Fusion: The combination of Parmesan cheese, garlic, and lemon zest creates a vibrant taste profile that elevates the delicate fish with rich, tangy, and bright notes.
  • Quick Weeknight Wonder: Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish, this recipe offers a speedy solution for busy home cooks craving a delicious and nutritious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Crispy Texture Delight: The bread crumb and Parmesan coating provides a satisfying crunch that perfectly complements the tender, flaky texture of the flounder, creating a mouthwatering contrast in every bite.

Ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Baked Flounder

Fish:
  • Flounder Filets: Delicate white fish with mild flavor, best when fresh and skin-free.
Coating Ingredients:
  • Parmesan Cheese, Bread Crumbs: Provide crispy, golden-brown exterior with rich, savory taste.
  • Minced Garlic: Adds intense, aromatic flavor to the coating.
  • Chopped Parsley: Fresh herb that brings bright, clean flavor and green color.
  • Lemon Zest: Provides citrusy, zesty notes to enhance overall taste.
Seasoning and Cooking Ingredients:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance fish's natural flavor.
  • Olive Oil: Helps create crisp exterior and prevents sticking to baking sheet.
  • Lemon Juice: Adds bright, tangy finish and helps tenderize the fish.

How to Bake Flounder with a Crisp Topping

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F to ensure it’s ready for baking the flounder.

Step 2: Season the Fish

Sprinkle salt and pepper evenly on both sides of the flounder filets to enhance their natural flavor.

Step 3: Create Flavor Coating

Combine the following ingredients on a plate:
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Bread crumbs
  • Minced garlic
  • Chopped parsley
  • Lemon zest
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Step 4: Coat the Filets

Gently press each filet into the mixture, ensuring both sides are lightly and evenly breaded.

Step 5: Prepare the Baking Sheet

Brush a baking sheet with of olive oil, carefully placing the coated filets on the sheet.

Step 6: Add Final Touches

Drizzle the remaining of olive oil over the filets.

Squeeze the juice of half a lemon evenly across the fish.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the fish is fully cooked and flakes easily.

Tips to Avoid Overcooking Flaky Fish

  • Choose Fresh Fish: Select high-quality, fresh flounder with firm, white flesh and no strong odor for the best taste and texture.
  • Uniform Coating Technique: Gently press the Parmesan mixture onto the fish to ensure an even, light breading that adheres well during baking.
  • Prevent Drying Out: Keep the fish moist by not overcooking; check doneness when the fish flakes easily with a fork and appears opaque.
  • Optimize Flavor Layers: Let the seasoned filets rest for 5 minutes before baking to allow the garlic and herbs to penetrate the fish.
  • Serve Immediately: Enjoy the crispy Parmesan crust right after baking, as it tends to lose its crunchiness when left to cool too long.

Best Storage and Reheating for Flounder Dishes

  • Refrigeration: Store leftover flounder in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Wrap each filet separately to prevent moisture and preserve texture. Refrigerated fish stays fresh for 1-2 days.
  • Reheating: Gently warm filets in a preheated oven at 275°F for 10-12 minutes. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out and maintain moisture. Avoid microwave reheating, which can make the fish tough and rubbery.
  • Freezing: Cool the fish completely before freezing. Place in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. Frozen flounder maintains best quality for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What Complements Garlic Parmesan Flounder

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Complement the delicate flounder with a zesty sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio, which will enhance the garlic and lemon flavors without overpowering the fish.
  • Serve with Roasted Asparagus: Create a light, fresh side dish that matches the herb-infused fish. Roasted asparagus with a touch of olive oil and sea salt provides a perfect green accompaniment.
  • Match with Citrus Quinoa Salad: Add a bright, protein-packed side that echoes the lemony notes of the flounder. A quinoa salad with fresh parsley, diced cucumber, and a light lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the Parmesan crust.
  • Enjoy with Chilled Cucumber Salad: Prepare a cool, refreshing side that cuts through the richness of the breaded fish. Thinly sliced cucumbers with a light dressing of white wine vinegar and fresh dill provide a crisp contrast to the warm, cheesy flounder.

Creative Variations on Flounder Recipes

  • Mediterranean Herb Flounder: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed panko, add dried oregano, thyme, and basil to create a Mediterranean-inspired coating that brings vibrant herb flavors to the fish.
  • Spicy Cajun Flounder: Swap Parmesan for sharp cheddar, mix in Cajun seasoning, cayenne pepper, and smoked paprika for a bold, zesty kick that transforms the mild fish into a fiery experience.
  • Coconut Almond Crusted Flounder: Substitute breadcrumbs with shredded coconut and crushed almonds, add a pinch of cinnamon for a tropical, nutty crust that adds crunch and exotic sweetness to the delicate fish.
  • Lemon Dill Flounder: Increase lemon zest, mix fresh chopped dill into the coating, and sprinkle additional dill on top after baking to enhance the bright, fresh maritime flavors of the dish.
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Garlic Parmesan Flounder Recipe

Garlic Parmesan Flounder Recipe


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4.7 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent Garlic Parmesan Flounder brings Mediterranean coastal flavors to American kitchens with elegant simplicity. Delicate fish fillets marry crisp parmesan coating and rich garlic notes, offering a quick, luxurious dinner experience you’ll savor from first bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 4 flounder filets

Dry Ingredients:

  • ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • ¼ cup Italian style seasoned bread crumbs

Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) plus 1 teaspoon (5 ml) olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) parsley, chopped
  • 1 lemon, juice and zest
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Elevate the oven temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius), preparing a pristine baking surface.
  2. Meticulously pat the flounder fillets dry and season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper on both exterior surfaces.
  3. Craft a rich coating by blending grated Parmesan cheese, crisp breadcrumbs, finely minced garlic, freshly chopped parsley, vibrant lemon zest, additional pinches of salt, and cracked black pepper in a shallow dish.
  4. Tenderly coat each delicate fillet by pressing it into the seasoned mixture, ensuring an even, light breading covers both sides of the fish.
  5. Lightly brush a rimmed baking sheet with of extra virgin olive oil, carefully positioning the prepared fillets on the surface.
  6. Drizzle the remaining of olive oil over the fillets, creating a glistening protective layer.
  7. Extract the bright, tangy juice from half a lemon, distributing it evenly across the fillets to enhance their natural flavors.
  8. Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 18-22 minutes, monitoring until the fish becomes opaque and flakes effortlessly with a fork.

Notes

  • Elevate your seafood game with this simple, zesty flounder recipe that brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your home kitchen.
  • Ensure fish is fresh and fully thawed before preparing to guarantee the best texture and taste.
  • Coating the fish with Parmesan and herbs creates a crispy, golden exterior that locks in moisture and delivers incredible flavor depth.
  • Drizzling olive oil and lemon juice before baking helps prevent dryness and adds bright, tangy notes to the delicate fish.
  • Serve immediately after baking to enjoy the crisp breadcrumb crust and tender, flaky fish at its absolute best.
  • Quick tip: Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature, which should reach 145°F for perfectly cooked flounder.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 225 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 380 mg
  • Fat: 13 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 65 mg
Liam O'Brien

Liam O’Brien

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Traditional Irish Dishes
  • Farm-to-Table Cooking
  • Recipe Creation
  • Teaching Cooking Skills
  • Sustainable Food Practices

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (now Technological University Dublin)

  • Program: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in cooking techniques, kitchen management, and exploring both Irish and international cuisines.

Ballymaloe Cookery School, County Cork, Ireland

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Farm-to-table cooking, emphasizing the use of fresh, local ingredients and traditional cooking methods.

Liam O’Brien is the co-founder and kitchen soul behind Good Tasting Meals, a chef who believes that cooking shouldn’t feel stressful or complicated.

He earned his culinary stripes at Technological University Dublin and polished his farm-to-table skills at Ballymaloe Cookery School. With over 15 years flipping pans and stirring up stories, Liam has worked in family cafés, bustling bistros, and everything in between.

At Good Tasting Meals, Liam brings you recipes that feel like home: cozy, simple, and full of flavor.

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