By Lori Walker, MS, RD | Published on May 28, 2023 | Last Updated on November 27, 2023
Did you ever try the most delicious flounder recipe ever? Well, the Ina Garten flounder is something that you should definitely try. This dish is a classic favorite among seafood lovers and it needs no introduction.
It has been made famous by celebrity chef Ina Garten, who is known for her simplistic yet tasty recipes. The best part about this dish is that it comes together in just under 20 minutes.
Here I will discuss all the aspects of ina garten flounder like what is ina garten flounder, where did I first try Ina Garten flounder, cooking tips, the ingredients list with measurements for the recipe card, nutrition information, how to store leftover Ina Garten Flounder and FAQs.
What Is Ina Garten Flounder?
Ina Garten flounder is an easy, flavorful seafood dish made with fresh fillets of flounder. The fish is lightly coated with breadcrumbs and then fried to golden brown perfection.
This recipe is very simple and yet it yields great flavor and texture. It is served with a light lemon vinaigrette and arugula salad, making it perfect for summer dining.
Where Did I First Try Ina Garten Flounder?
I first saw Ina Garten as a famous Food Network Host where she hosts her own show “Barefoot Contessa”. As much as I love watching her show, I never thought of trying out her recipes until about a year ago when I visited a restaurant that served some of Ina Garten’s dishes including the Ina Garten flounder. The presentation was impeccable and the taste was just as good.
I wanted to recreate this dish at home and with some careful research, I found the recipe on the Food Network website.
After reading through the instructions and ingredient list, I decided that it was definitely worth a try. On my next visit to the grocery store, I picked up all of the ingredients needed for Ina Garten’s flounder recipe.
Once I got back home, I followed the instructions carefully and soon enough I had a delicious meal on my plate. The combination of the bread crumbs and the lemon vinaigrette balanced each other perfectly while the crispy texture of the fried fish added a nice contrast to it. After having this meal, I knew that Ina Garten’s flounder was going to be one of my favorite recipes.
I have cooked Ina Garten’s flounder many times since then and every time it tastes just as good as the first time. The recipe is so easy to make that even a beginner cook can make it with ease.
It is a great dish to serve for dinner and it can be served both as an entrée or as part of a buffet. The best part about this recipe is that it only takes 20 minutes to make so it makes for a perfect weeknight meal.
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Ingredients
- Fillets of flounder: Some fillets of flounder are essential to make Ina Garten’s flounder.
- Breadcrumbs: The breadcrumbs help to give the fried fish a delicious and crispy texture.
- Lemon Vinaigrette: This gives the flounder a light lemon flavor and also helps to balance out the dish.
- Arugula salad: Arugula adds a nice freshness and contrast to the dish.
- Parmesan cheese shavings: This adds an extra nutty flavor and texture.
- Salt and pepper: To enhance the other flavors in the dish.
- All-purpose flour: This helps to bind the breadcrumbs to the fish.
- Butter: Used for pan-frying the flounder.
- Large eggs: Used for whisking the egg wash.
- Olive oil: For frying the flounder and for the vinaigrette.
- Kosher salt: To season the flounder.
- Lemon juice: To give the vinaigrette a nice tangy flavor.
- Black pepper: Black pepper is necessary to season the vinaigrette.
Cooking Directions
Step 1
Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Place a sheet pan on the middle rack of the oven and let it heat up.
Step 2
Take a large bowl and combine flour, bread crumbs, salt, and pepper in it. Stir them until everything is evenly mixed together. Make sure that the breadcrumbs are evenly distributed.
Step 3
Take a medium-sized bowl and whisk 2 to 3 large eggs in it until smooth and creamy. Beat the eggs properly until they become completely homogenous. Place the flounder on the sheet pan and bake for 12 minutes (until lightly golden brown). Turn them over halfway through baking.
Step 4
Heat butter and olive oil in a sauté pan on medium heat. Dip each side of the flounder in the egg mixture (using tongs) and then coat it with the flour-breadcrumbs mix. Keep doing this until all 6 fillets are coated properly with the flour-breadcrumb mix.
Step 5
Place the flounder on the sauté pan and fry for 3 to 4 minutes (each side). Make sure that each side is golden brown before you flip them over. Remove the flounder from the sauté pan and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
Step 6
Arrange the flounders on a plate and sprinkle some lemon juice over them for added flavor. Serve with arugula salad and Parmesan cheese shavings, along with a side of freshly made Lemon Vinaigrette.
Cooking Tips
- Make sure to pat the flounder dry before adding it to the breadcrumb mix. This will help ensure that your fish cooks evenly.
- When pan-frying the fillets, make sure that the butter is hot before adding in the fish. This will help give you a nice crisp exterior while cooking through quickly.
- Be sure to keep an eye on the flounder while cooking as it can burn easily.
- Make sure to season both sides of the fish before adding it to the egg wash and breadcrumbs mix. This will add more flavor to your dish.
- Once cooked, let the flounder rest on a plate for about five minutes before serving. This will help it retain its moisture and flavor.
What Ingredients Can I Replace or Substitute While Making It?
- If you don’t have flounder available, you can replace it with another white fish such as cod or haddock.
- You can also use different types of breadcrumbs like panko for a nice crunch and flavor.
- For the lemon vinaigrette, feel free to substitute the lemon juice with apple cider vinegar or white balsamic vinegar.
- You can also substitute the arugula salad with other leafy greens of your choice such as spinach or kale.
- If you don’t have parmesan cheese available, you can replace it with grated cheddar cheese or feta crumbles.
Ina Garten Flounder Recipe
Equipment
- Sheet pan
- large pan
- small bowls
- Sauté pan
- Plates
Ingredients
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice imparting a tangy zing that brightens the palate
- 6-8 cubes of creamy unsalted butter, melting to perfection for a buttery infusion
- 12 ounces of vibrant peppery arugula, acting as a fresh and invigorating bed for the flounder
- A generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese grating velvety and nutty notes over the dish, elevating it to gourmet heights
- 4 tablespoons of aromatic olive oil lending a delicate richness to the dish
- 2-1/2 cups of bread crumbs toasted to golden perfection, adding a delightful crunch
- A pinch of fragrant black pepper adding a subtle kick and depth of flavor
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour providing a light and crispy coating
- 4-6 eggs beaten to create a luscious egg wash for a golden-brown crust
- A sprinkle of kosher salt enhancing the flavors and bringing out the natural taste of the flounder
- 12 succulent fillets of tender flounder perfect for a seafood feast
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Place a sheet pan on the middle rack of the oven and let it heat up.
- Take a large bowl and combine flour, bread crumbs, salt, and pepper in it. Stir them until everything is evenly mixed together. Make sure that the breadcrumbs are evenly distributed.
- Take a medium-sized bowl and whisk 2 to 3 large eggs in it until smooth and creamy. Beat the eggs properly until they become completely homogenous. Place the flounder on the sheet pan and bake for 12 minutes (until lightly golden brown). Turn them over halfway through baking.
- Heat butter and olive oil in a sauté pan on medium heat. Dip each side of the flounder in the egg mixture (using tongs) and then coat it with the flour-breadcrumbs mix. Keep doing this until all 6 fillets are coated properly with the flour-breadcrumb mix.
- Place the flounder on the sauté pan and fry for 3 to 4 minutes (each side). Make sure that each side is golden brown before you flip them over. Remove the flounder from the sauté pan and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
- Arrange the flounders on a plate and sprinkle some lemon juice over them for added flavor. Serve with arugula salad and Parmesan cheese shavings, along with a side of freshly made Lemon Vinaigrette.
Notes
- Make sure to pat the flounder dry before adding it to the breadcrumb mix. This will help ensure that your fish cooks evenly.
- When pan-frying the fillets, make sure that the butter is hot before adding in the fish. This will help give you a nice crisp exterior while cooking through quickly.
- Be sure to keep an eye on the flounder while cooking as it can burn easily.
- Make sure to season both sides of the fish before adding it to the egg wash and breadcrumbs mix. This will add more flavor to your dish.
- Once cooked, let the flounder rest on a plate for about five minutes before serving. This will help it retain its moisture and flavor.
Nutrition Information
Ina Garten’s flounder is a simple and healthy dish that can be enjoyed as part of any meal. Each serving contains approximately:
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Total Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 73mg
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 19g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fiber: 2.5g
How to Store Leftover Ina Garten Flounder?
If you have any leftover Ina Garten flounder, you can store it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days.
To reheat, simply place the fillets on a baking sheet lined with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through. Make sure to check the internal temperature of the fish before consuming it.
FAQs
Can pregnant women eat this?
Yes, pregnant women can eat this dish as it is a healthy and balanced meal. However, pregnant women should always ask their doctor before eating any type of fish.
Can I make this recipe with other types of fish?
Yes, you can make this recipe with other types of white fish such as cod or haddock.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze the leftovers in an airtight container for up to two months. To reheat, just thaw overnight and bake as instructed above.
What side dishes would go well with this dish?
This flounder goes great with various sides such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad. You can also serve it with some crusty bread for soaking up all the delicious flavors.
Wrapping Up
As you have seen making this Ina Garten flounder is very easy. All you need are some simple ingredients, a few minutes of prep time, and 10 minutes or so to cook the fish.
Not only is this dish delicious but it’s also nutritious and packed with protein and healthy fats. Be sure to follow all the cooking tips provided in this article for the best results.
Please share this recipe with your friends and family. Thanks in advance.
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My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more
