Are you craving a restaurant-quality seafood dish that will make your taste buds dance with joy? Look no further! Our Red Lobster Country Fried Flounder recipe brings the ultimate crispy, golden-brown seafood experience right to your kitchen. Imagine biting into a perfectly seasoned, tender flounder fillet with a crunchy exterior that rivals any restaurant dish - and the best part? You can make it yourself in just 30 minutes!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 flounder fillets
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 4 flounder fillets, 1 cup of buttermilk, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, salt, pepper, and oil for frying.
- In a medium-sized bowl, pour in the 1 cup of buttermilk. This will be used to soak the flounder fillets, adding flavor and moisture.
- Submerge the flounder fillets in the buttermilk, ensuring they are fully coated. Let them soak for about 15 minutes. This helps to tenderize the fish and adds richness.
- While the fish is soaking, prepare the breading mixture. In a separate shallow dish, combine the 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
- After the flounder has soaked for 15 minutes, remove the fillets one at a time from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Next, dredge each flounder fillet in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring that both sides are well coated. Press lightly to adhere the flour to the fish.
- In a large skillet, pour enough oil for frying, about 1/2 inch deep. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches around 350°F (175°C). You can test if the oil is ready by dropping a small amount of flour into it; if it sizzles, the oil is hot enough.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully place the coated flounder fillets into the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to fry them in batches depending on the size of your skillet.
- Fry the fillets for about 3-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to flip the fish gently to avoid breaking the fillets.
- Once cooked, remove the flounder from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Serve the Country Fried Flounder hot, garnished with lemon wedges and your choice of sides, such as coleslaw or fries. Enjoy your delicious homemade Red Lobster-style dish!
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Ensure your oil is precisely at 350°F for the crispiest results. Use a cooking thermometer if possible.
- Don't Overcrowd: Fry the fillets in batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
- Buttermilk Soak Secret: Let the fish marinate in buttermilk for the full 15 minutes to enhance tenderness and flavor.
- Seasoning Matters: Feel free to customize your flour mixture with additional herbs like dried thyme or cayenne for extra kick.
- Drain Properly: Always let fried fish rest on paper towels to remove excess oil and maintain that perfect crispy texture.
- Serve Immediately: Country fried flounder is best enjoyed hot and fresh, so time your sides accordingly.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 85mg
