- Salt and pepper (seasoning basics, essential flavors)
- Olive oil (cooking medium, healthy fat option)
Steps
### Crab Stuffed Flounder Recipe: A Flavorful Ocean Delight
Flounder is not only delicious but also versatile when it comes to stuffing. This recipe combines the delicate taste of flounder with the rich, savory flavor of crab. Follow these detailed steps to create a delightful crab stuffed flounder dish that will impress your guests.
#### Ingredients:
- 4 large flounder fillets
- 1 cup lump crab meat (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 lemons (juice and zest of one per fillet)
- Olive oil for cooking
#### Instructions:
1. **Prepare the Flounder:**
- Begin by rinsing the flounder fillets under cold water, patting them dry with paper towels.
- Season both sides of each fillet with a generous amount of salt and pepper.
2. **Make the Stuffing Mixture:**
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the crab meat, breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, green onions, and minced garlic.
- Stir in 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter until well combined. Season to taste with additional salt and pepper.
3. **Stuff the Fillets:**
- Lay each flounder fillet flat on a clean work surface.
- Spoon about two-thirds of the crab mixture down the center of each fillet, leaving about an inch at both ends unadorned for sealing.
- Carefully roll the fillets around the stuffing to form a neat cylinder. Secure with toothpicks if necessary.
4. **Preheat and Cook:**
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Place the stuffed flounder fillets in the skillet seam-side down.
- Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. This helps create a crispy exterior.
5. **Bake Until Done:**
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 10-15 minutes, or until the flounder is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- While baking, squeeze lemon juice over each fillet just before serving to brighten the flavors.
6. **Serve:**
- Once done, remove from the oven and garnish with extra chopped parsley and zest from one of the lemons.
- Serve immediately for optimal texture and flavor.
#### Tips & Variations:
- For a richer dish, add some grated Parmesan cheese to the stuffing mixture.
- Substitute shrimp or lobster meat in place of crab for a different twist.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice during preparation to enhance the natural flavors of the fish and seafood.
By following these steps, you can create an elegant and delicious crab stuffed flounder that is both impressive and satisfying. Perfect for special occasions or as a mid-week dinner, this recipe ensures a delightful culinary experience with every bite. Enjoy your cooking!