Grilled Flounder
A Montauk fishing guide named Bryan Goulart was the first person I saw brine thin fillets of porgy and sea bass, and the Brooklyn chef Josh Cohen taught me how to do it with flounder, though the recipe would work on any flat fish. A mere 10 minutes in the bath will tighten the flesh nicely, and then three or four minutes of cooking the fish need follow, over a medium flame. Cook only that one side, then flip the fish onto a serving platter or plate, and top with a little bit of butter, chopped parsley and a spray of lemon.
A Montauk fishing guide named Bryan Goulart was the first person I saw brine thin fillets of porgy and sea bass, and the Brooklyn chef Josh Cohen taught me how to do it with flounder, though the recipe would work on any flat fish. A mere 10 minutes in the bath will tighten the flesh nicely, and then three or four minutes of cooking the fish need follow, over a medium flame. Cook only that one side, then flip the fish onto a serving platter or plate, and top with a little bit of butter, chopped parsley and a spray of lemon.
- Carbohydrate 2.60427 g
- Cholesterol 44.85 mg
- Fat 17.032135 g
- Fiber 0.0626999990940094 g
- Protein 1.841805 g
- Saturated Fat 9.9272955 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (238g)
- Sodium 58269.0769668295 mg
- Sugar 2.54157000090599 g
- Trans Fat 2.0012285 g
- Calories 167 calories
Step-by-step
- Make the brine: Put salt and sugar in a large bowl or pot, and add around a half-gallon of water, stirring to combine and dissolve the salt and sugar.
- Set the burners on a gas grill to medium. When it is hot, scrape grates to make sure they are very clean. (If using a charcoal grill, build a fire in your grill. When coals are covered with gray ash and you can hold your hand 5 inches above the coals for 5 to 7 seconds, you are ready to cook.)
- While grill heats, slide the flounder fillets into the brine and allow them to sit for approximately 10 minutes, then remove from the brine and pat very dry with paper towel. Season fillets with salt and pepper, then apply just a little oil to one side of each fillet, lightly spreading it with your fingers to cover the flesh.
- Apply some more oil to a paper towel and, using tongs to protect your hands, use the towel to oil the grill grates. They will smoke furiously. Gently lay the fish fillets, oiled-side down, onto the grates. Cook until the fish has started to turn translucent at its edges, approximately 3 to 4 minutes, then remove from grill and place, grilled-side up, on a warmed platter. The fish will continue to cook as it rests.
- Top each fillet with a small pat of butter, some chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon, then serve.
My Simple Grilled Flounder Recipe: A Weeknight Delight
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a healthy and delicious dinner can feel like a Herculean task. Weeknights are often a whirlwind of school pick-ups, homework help, and the general chaos of family life. But even amidst the flurry of activity, I refuse to sacrifice a nourishing and flavorful meal. That's where this simple grilled flounder recipe comes in. It's quick, easy, and elegant enough to impress even the pickiest eaters (including my teenagers!).
I discovered this recipe during a spontaneous weekend getaway to the coast. A local fisherman shared his secret for perfectly cooked flounder, emphasizing the importance of brining. Brining the fish, it turns out, is the key to achieving that tender, flaky texture that makes flounder such a delight. The process is surprisingly simple – just a quick 10-minute soak in a saltwater solution – but it makes all the difference in the final dish. The brining method adds a beautiful subtle saltiness to the fish while keeping it moist, preventing it from drying out during grilling.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. There are no complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. All you need is flounder fillets (you can easily substitute other white fish, like cod or halibut), salt, sugar, oil, and a few fresh herbs. I usually keep these pantry staples on hand, ensuring I can whip up this delicious meal even on the busiest of days. The entire cooking process, from prepping the fish to plating it, takes less than 20 minutes. It’s the kind of recipe that allows me to spend quality time with my family without being tied to the kitchen all evening.
The grilling itself is incredibly straightforward. I typically use a gas grill for convenience, but a charcoal grill works just as well. The crucial step is ensuring the grates are properly oiled to prevent sticking and create those beautiful grill marks. A quick wipe with an oiled paper towel does the trick. Once the fish is grilled to perfection (a mere 3-4 minutes per side!), the only remaining step is to adorn it with a pat of butter, fresh parsley, and a squeeze of lemon. The simple yet elegant garnish elevates the dish to a restaurant-quality experience, without the restaurant-quality price tag or time commitment.
This grilled flounder recipe has become a staple in our home. It's a dish that satisfies my family's cravings for a healthy, flavorful meal without requiring hours of preparation. The quick cooking time makes it an ideal weeknight option, while the exquisite taste transforms a simple fish into something truly special. It's a recipe that’s both impressive and effortlessly achievable, a testament to the fact that delicious and healthy meals don’t have to be complicated. Try it yourself and see – you might just find your new favorite weeknight dinner!
Tips and Variations:
- Experiment with Herbs: While parsley is a classic pairing, feel free to experiment with other herbs like dill, thyme, or chives.
- Citrus Infusion: A squeeze of lime works just as well as lemon, offering a slightly different flavor profile.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Marinade Magic: For extra flavor, marinate the flounder in a simple mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic for 30 minutes before grilling.
- Side Dish Suggestions: This flounder pairs beautifully with grilled vegetables, a simple salad, or roasted potatoes.
This recipe is more than just a meal; it's a testament to the power of simple ingredients and efficient cooking techniques. It's a reminder that even the busiest schedules can accommodate a healthy and delicious home-cooked meal. Enjoy!
