Country-fried Flounder

Country-fried Flounder Recipe from USA with Cornmeal, Paprika, and Black Pepper

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 1 hour | Cooking time: 6 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Country-fried flounder is a classic Southern dish that features tender flounder fillets coated in a crispy cornmeal crust. This dish is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, as it is both delicious and easy to prepare.

History

The origins of country-fried flounder can be traced back to the Southern United States, where frying fish in cornmeal batter is a popular cooking technique. This dish is a favorite among seafood lovers for its crunchy texture and savory flavor.

Ingredients

2 lb (907 g) fresh flounder fillets
1 cup cornmeal
0.5 tsp salt
0.5 tsp paprika
0.5 tsp ground black pepper

How to prepare

Marinate the fish in buttermilk for one hour before frying to achieve a moist and authentic taste.
Remove the skin from the fillets and cut them into portions suitable for serving.
Combine the cornmeal with the seasonings.
Roll the fish in the cornmeal mixture.

Pan fry

Place the flounder in a preheated iron skillet with approximately 0.13 inch of oil.
Brown one side of the fish for 2-3 minutes.
Carefully flip the fish and cook the other side for an additional 3 minutes, or until the fish easily flakes with a fork.
Serve with tartar sauce and coleslaw.

Variations

Substitute the flounder with other white fish fillets, such as cod or tilapia.
Add Cajun seasoning or Old Bay seasoning to the cornmeal mixture for a spicy kick.
Use a gluten-free flour or cornmeal for a gluten-free version of the dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Marinate the fish in buttermilk before frying to ensure a moist and flavorful result.

- Remove the skin from the fillets before cooking to prevent the fish from becoming tough.

- Use a cast iron skillet for frying to achieve a crispy crust on the flounder.

- Serve the country-fried flounder with tartar sauce and coleslaw for a classic Southern meal.

Serving Suggestions

Country-fried flounder can be served with tartar sauce, coleslaw, hush puppies, or cornbread for a complete Southern meal.

Cooking Techniques

Marinate the fish in buttermilk before frying to tenderize the fillets.

- Use a cast iron skillet for frying to achieve a crispy crust on the flounder.

- Cook the fish until it easily flakes with a fork to ensure that it is cooked through.

Ingredient Substitutions

Substitute the flounder with other white fish fillets, such as cod or tilapia.

- Use a gluten-free flour or cornmeal for a gluten-free version of the dish.

- Substitute the buttermilk with regular milk or a dairy-free alternative.

Make Ahead Tips

Marinate the fish in buttermilk and prepare the cornmeal mixture ahead of time for easy assembly.

- Store the coated fish in the refrigerator until ready to fry.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the country-fried flounder on a platter with lemon wedges and fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation. - Garnish the dish with chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve country-fried flounder with a side of creamy coleslaw, tangy tartar sauce, and sweet hush puppies for a classic Southern meal.

- Pair the dish with a crisp white wine or a cold beer for a refreshing accompaniment.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover country-fried flounder in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

- Reheat the fish in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of country-fried flounder contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of country-fried flounder contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of country-fried flounder contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of country-fried flounder contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Country-fried flounder is a good source of vitamin B12, selenium, and phosphorus.

Alergens

Country-fried flounder contains fish, dairy (buttermilk), and wheat (cornmeal), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Country-fried flounder is a nutritious dish that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. It is a good source of vitamin B12, selenium, and phosphorus.

Summary

Country-fried flounder is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. With its crispy cornmeal crust and tender flounder fillets, this Southern classic is sure to be a hit with seafood lovers of all ages. Serve it with tartar sauce, coleslaw, and hush puppies for a complete meal that will transport you to the heart of the South.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Country-fried Flounder. It was a warm summer day and I was visiting my dear friend, Mrs. Jenkins, in her quaint little cottage by the sea. Mrs. Jenkins was known for her delicious home-cooked meals and I always looked forward to our culinary adventures together.

On this particular day, Mrs. Jenkins had decided to treat me to one of her favorite dishes – Country-fried Flounder. As she bustled around the kitchen, gathering ingredients and preparing the fish, I watched with eager anticipation. I could hardly wait to taste the crispy, golden-brown flounder that she promised would be a feast for the senses.

As Mrs. Jenkins worked her magic in the kitchen, I couldn't help but ask her how she had come to learn this particular recipe. With a twinkle in her eye, she began to recount the story of how she had acquired the recipe many years ago.

"It all started when I was a young girl living in the countryside," Mrs. Jenkins began. "My mother was an excellent cook and she passed down her love of cooking to me. One day, a traveling chef came to our village and he shared his recipe for Country-fried Flounder with us. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before – crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with flavor."

Mrs. Jenkins went on to explain how she had spent many hours perfecting the recipe, adding her own unique touches and experimenting with different seasonings. Over the years, she had made the dish for countless family gatherings, dinner parties, and special occasions, always receiving rave reviews from her guests.

As I listened to Mrs. Jenkins' story, I felt inspired by her passion for cooking and her dedication to perfecting her craft. I marveled at how a simple recipe for Country-fried Flounder had brought so much joy and satisfaction to her life.

Finally, the moment of truth arrived as Mrs. Jenkins served up two steaming plates of Country-fried Flounder, garnished with fresh lemon wedges and a sprinkle of parsley. The aroma that wafted from the dish was heavenly, and I could hardly contain my excitement as I took my first bite.

The flounder was everything I had hoped for and more – perfectly crispy on the outside, moist and flavorful on the inside, with just the right amount of seasoning. As I savored each delicious bite, I knew that this recipe would become a cherished favorite in my own kitchen.

As I finished my meal, I thanked Mrs. Jenkins for sharing her recipe with me and for inspiring me to continue exploring the world of culinary delights. I knew that I would always treasure the memory of that sunny summer day when I first learned to make Country-fried Flounder, a dish that would bring joy and satisfaction to my family for years to come.