How do I know when the whole fried flounder is cooked?

The flesh should be opaque and flake away easily from the bone with a fork. The skin of the whole fried flounder should be dark golden brown and firm to the touch.

Can I use different types of flour for whole fried flounder?

Plain white flour is the standard choice for a light coating. You can use cornflour for an even crispier whole fried flounder or a gluten free alternative if needed.

What is the best way to clean the fish?

Most fishmongers will gut and clean the fish for you. You just need to rinse it under cold water and ensure all scales are removed before preparing the flounder.

Home » Fish and seafood » Flatfish » Whole Fried Flounder

Whole Fried Flounder

Name: Whole Fried Flounder
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: Whole Fried Flounder
Ingredients: 700g Whole flounder; 100g Plain flour; 5g Salt; 2g Black pepper; 60ml Vegetable oil; 1 Lemon

Whole Fried Flounder is a classic way to enjoy fresh flatfish. The skin becomes very crisp while the white flesh stays moist and delicate. It is a simple dish that focuses on the natural flavour of the fish. You only need a few basic ingredients to make a delicious meal at home.

Easy Recipes

★★★★★

4.6 (21 ratings)

Share the recipe here

Why prepare whole fried flounder

Cooking the fish on the bone helps to keep the meat juicy and tender. Whole fried flounder looks impressive when served on a large platter for guests. It is a very quick method that works perfectly for a mid week dinner. You can serve it simply with chips or a fresh green salad.

Follow these 4 steps for whole fried flounder

Step 1

Prepare the fish: Wash the fish and pat it dry with kitchen paper. Make three or four shallow cuts across the skin on both sides. Season the whole fried flounder with salt and pepper.

Step 2

Coat in flour: Put some plain flour on a large plate. Press the fish into the flour until it is covered on both sides. Shake off any extra flour so only a thin layer remains.

Step 3

Fry the fish: Heat a generous amount of oil in a large frying pan. Carefully place the fish into the hot oil. Fry it for about five minutes until the skin is golden and crispy.

Step 4

Flip and finish: Turn the fish over carefully using a large spatula. Cook the other side for another five minutes. Serve the whole fried flounder immediately with lemon wedges.

Important tips for whole fried flounder

Ensure the oil is hot before adding the fish to the pan. If the oil is too cold the flour will absorb the fat and become soggy. Patting the skin completely dry before flouring is the most important step for a crisp finish. You can add a knob of butter for the last minute of cooking to give a rich flavour.

Whole fried flounder is best eaten straight away while the skin is at its crunchiest. If you have a very large fish you might need to use two pans or cook them one at a time. Always use a wide spatula to prevent the fish from breaking when you flip it.

You may also like veal carpaccio, turkey tacos or pavlova.