5 Delicious Flounder Recipes with Panko You Must Try

The delicate and mild flavor of flounder pairs perfectly with the crispy texture of panko breadcrumbs. Whether you're a home cook looking to expand your seafood repertoire or a seafood enthusiast, these flounder recipes with panko will delight your palate with their simplicity and scrumptious outcomes. Let's dive into five tantalizing recipes that showcase this fantastic combination.

1. Classic Panko-Crusted Flounder

For a straightforward yet exquisite dish, the classic panko-crusted flounder remains a timeless favorite. Here’s how to make it:

• Ingredients:
  • 4 flounder fillets
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • ¹⁄₂ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Vegetable oil for frying
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a shallow dish, mix panko with parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. Dip each flounder fillet in the beaten egg, then coat thoroughly with the panko mixture.
  4. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, cook each fillet for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
  5. Transfer the fillets to the prepared baking sheet and bake for an additional 5 minutes to ensure the fish is fully cooked.

💡 Note: Cooking time might vary depending on the thickness of the fillets. Watch closely to prevent overcooking.

2. Lemon and Herb Panko Flounder

Give your flounder a zesty twist with this light and aromatic recipe:

• Ingredients:
  • 4 flounder fillets
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ¹⁄₄ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • Olive oil for drizzling
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking tray with foil.
  2. Mix panko, lemon zest, parsley, dill, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
  3. Dip fillets in egg, then coat with the panko mixture.
  4. Place on the tray, drizzle with olive oil, and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the fish flakes easily with a fork.

3. Mediterranean Panko Flounder

Transport your tastebuds to the Mediterranean with this vibrant recipe:

• Ingredients:
  • 4 flounder fillets
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons chopped sun-dried tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon capers, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon lemon pepper
  • ¹⁄₄ cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • Olive oil for frying
  • Salt to taste
• Instructions:
  1. Mix panko, sun-dried tomatoes, capers, oregano, lemon pepper, and feta in a bowl.
  2. Dip the flounder fillets in egg, then coat with the panko mixture.
  3. Fry in olive oil over medium heat until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil.

4. Spicy Cajun Panko Flounder

Add some Southern flair with a spicy kick:

• Ingredients:
  • 4 flounder fillets
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¹⁄₂ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • ¹⁄₄ cup buttermilk
  • Peanut or vegetable oil for frying
  • Salt to taste
• Instructions:
  1. Combine panko, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and garlic powder in a shallow dish.
  2. Soak fillets in a mixture of egg and buttermilk. Coat with the panko mix.
  3. Fry in hot oil until crispy and golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
  4. Drain on paper towels.

5. Parmesan Panko Flounder

Here’s a cheesy variation to delight cheese lovers:

• Ingredients:
  • 4 flounder fillets
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • ¹⁄₂ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon dried basil
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive oil for drizzling
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Mix panko with parmesan, basil, salt, and pepper.
  3. Dip fillets in egg, then coat with panko mixture.
  4. Place on a greased baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the topping is golden and the fish is cooked through.

Each of these recipes highlights the subtle flavor of flounder enhanced by the crunch of panko, offering a range of flavors from the classic to the exotic. With these dishes, you'll not only impress your guests but also enjoy the ease of preparation and the delightful results. Cooking flounder with panko is not just a treat for the taste buds; it's a celebration of texture and taste.

Why is panko better than regular breadcrumbs?

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Panko breadcrumbs are made from bread without crusts, creating a lighter and crispier texture when cooked. They absorb less oil and provide a flakier crunch compared to regular breadcrumbs.

Can I use frozen flounder for these recipes?

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Yes, you can use frozen flounder, but make sure it’s thawed properly to avoid excess moisture, which could affect the breading. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator for best results.

How do I know when the flounder is cooked?

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The flounder is done when it flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) to ensure it’s cooked safely.