The Best Flounder Recipes

At NC Seafood Restaurant, we pride ourselves on serving the best Calabash-style seafood in Raleigh, NC, and one of our most beloved dishes is flounder. Known for its mild, delicate flavor and tender texture, flounder is a versatile fish that can be prepared in a variety of ways. Whether you’re a fan of crispy fried flounder or prefer something lighter like grilled or baked, this delicious fish always satisfies you.

Join us as we share some of our favorite flounder recipes to make at home. 

Calabash-Style Fried Flounder

Ingredients

• Fresh flounder filets
• Buttermilk*
• Flour
• Cornmeal
• Seafood seasoning blend (paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper)
• Oil for frying

*For a dairy-free buttermilk option, substitute buttermilk for 1 cup of non-dairy milk + 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.

Steps

1. Prep the Fish: Start by soaking the flounder filets in buttermilk or dairy-free alternative for about 10 minutes. This helps the coating stick and gives the fish a slight tang while keeping it moist during frying.
2. Prepare the Coating: In a shallow dish, mix together flour, cornmeal, and a blend of seasonings like paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. The cornmeal adds a subtle crunch, while the flour creates a smooth coating that crisps up beautifully.
3. Coat the Flounder: Remove the flounder from the buttermilk and dredge it in the seasoned flour and cornmeal mixture, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
4. Fry to Perfection: Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to about 350°F. Fry the filets for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. The key to Calabash-style frying is not to overdo it—the fish should be crispy on the outside but tender and flaky on the inside.
5. Serve It Up: Traditionally served with hushpuppies, coleslaw, and tartar sauce, fried flounder is a complete meal that showcases the best of North Carolina’s coastal cuisine.

Baked Lemon Herb Flounder

One of the best flounder recipes for a healthy and tasty meal is baked flounder. Baked lemon herb flounder is a top choice for those who enjoy fresh, vibrant flavors with a lighter touch. The zesty lemon pairs perfectly with the delicate flounder, while the fresh herbs add a layer of fragrant complexity. This dish offers a refreshing contrast to heavier fried options, making it ideal for anyone looking for a satisfying yet healthy meal. The simplicity and elegance of baked flounder make this dish a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

• Fresh flounder filets
• Olive oil
• Fresh lemon juice
• Minced garlic
• Fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, or dill)
• Salt and pepper
• Lemon wedges (for garnish)

Steps

1. Prepare the Filets: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Place the flounder filets in a baking dish and drizzle them with olive oil to keep the fish moist while baking.
2. Add the Seasoning: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the filets, then sprinkle them with minced garlic, salt, pepper, and a generous amount of freshly chopped herbs like parsley, thyme, or dill. The combination of lemon and herbs perfectly complements the mild flavor of the flounder.
3. Bake the Flounder: Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Be careful not to overcook it; flounder cooks quickly and should remain tender and moist.
4. Garnish and Serve: Once baked, garnish the flounder with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Serve alongside steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a wholesome, delicious meal.

Blackened Flounder with Cajun Spices

This blackened flounder with Cajun spices is perfect for anyone who enjoys bold, spicy flavors. The Cajun seasoning adds just the right amount of heat and depth, while the butter gives the fish a rich, savory taste. The quick cooking method also seals in the moisture, ensuring a perfectly cooked, flaky filet every time. This is one of our top flounder recipes to try at home because of the contrast of the crispy, blackened crust with the tender interior, making it a go-to for spice lovers. 

Ingredients

• Fresh flounder filets
• Cajun seasoning (or a mix of paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano)
• Butter
• Lemon wedges
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Steps

1. Season the Flounder: Generously coat the flounder filets in Cajun seasoning, ensuring an even layer on all sides. The spice blend will create the characteristic blackened crust.
2. Heat the Skillet: Heat a heavy skillet (cast iron works best) over high heat and melt a couple of tablespoons of butter until it’s sizzling.
3. Blacken the Fish: Place the seasoned filets in the hot skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the outside is blackened and crispy, while the inside remains moist and tender.
4. Serve: Remove from the skillet and garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice for a burst of freshness. Serve with sides like rice, beans, or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.

Flounder Tacos with Cabbage Slaw

These flounder tacos are a favorite because they bring together the best of both worlds—flavorful, flaky fish and a crunchy, refreshing slaw. The light seasoning on the flounder complements the fresh, zesty coleslaw recipe, creating a balanced bite every time. This dish is perfect for families, casual dining, or anyone looking to enjoy a fun, creative take on seafood. Plus, the tacos are easily customizable with toppings, making them great for every palate. This is one of our favorite flounder recipes you’ll come back to time and time again!

Ingredients

• Fresh flounder filets
• Corn tortillas
• Chili powder
• Garlic powder
• Olive oil
• Cabbage (shredded)
• Fresh lime juice
• Cilantro (chopped)
• Sour cream (optional)

Steps

1. Season and Cook the Flounder: Season the flounder filets with a mixture of chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the flounder for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the fish is flaky and cooked through.
2. Prepare the Cabbage Slaw: In a separate bowl, toss shredded cabbage with fresh lime juice, cilantro, salt, and pepper. The slaw should be tangy and slightly crisp, adding texture to the tacos.
3. Assemble the Tacos: Warm the corn tortillas in a skillet or oven. Place a piece of cooked flounder in each tortilla, then top with the cabbage slaw. For an extra touch, add a dollop of sour cream or your favorite salsa.
4. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the tacos with lime wedges on the side for an added burst of citrus.

Flounder Stuffed with Crabmeat

Flounder stuffed with crabmeat, or any other combination such as shrimp, scallops, or lobster is a favorite for those seeking a more decadent seafood dish. The combination of tender flounder and flavorful crab meat creates a mouthwatering blend of textures and tastes. The stuffing is rich and savory, while the flounder stays light and delicate, offering a perfect balance in every bite. This dish feels luxurious and is perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to something special for Valentine’s Day or an anniversary spent at home. 

Ingredients

• Fresh flounder filets
• Lump crabmeat
• Breadcrumbs
• Minced garlic
• Fresh parsley (chopped)
• Lemon juice
• Butter (melted)
• Salt and pepper
• Paprika (for garnish)

Steps

1. Prepare the Crab Stuffing: In a bowl, combine lump crabmeat, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper, then stir in a tablespoon of melted butter to bind the mixture together.
2. Stuff the Flounder: Lay the flounder filets flat and spoon a generous amount of the crab mixture onto one end of each filet. Roll the filets around the stuffing and secure them with toothpicks if needed.
3. Bake the Flounder: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the stuffed flounder in a baking dish, drizzle with melted butter, and sprinkle a bit of paprika on top for color. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the flounder is cooked through and the stuffing is golden and bubbly.
4. Serve: Remove the toothpicks and serve the flounder with a side of roasted vegetables or garlic mashed potatoes. A wedge of lemon on the side adds a nice burst of freshness.

Enjoy the Best Calabash-Style Fried Flounder Recipes in Raleigh 

If you’re a fan of crispy, golden-fried seafood, NC Seafood Restaurant is the place to be. Our signature Calabash-style fried seafood is a must-try, offering that perfect blend of light, crispy coating and tender, flavorful fish. If you’re in the mood for something different, we also offer fried shrimp, clams, trout, scallops, and much more. All seafood platters are served with our creamy coleslaw and home fries!

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