If you’re looking for a quick, delicious, and restaurant-quality fish dish that comes together effortlessly, this Best Garlic Parmesan Flounder is exactly what you need. Flaky, mild flounder fillets are coated with a savory garlic butter sauce, then topped with golden, melted Parmesan for a finish that’s both rich and satisfying.
This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings, taking just 20 minutes from start to finish. With the subtle, delicate flavor of flounder paired with garlicky, cheesy goodness, it’s a recipe that will win over even those who aren’t typically fish lovers.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Flounder
- Fast & easy: Ready in under 20 minutes
- Simple ingredients: Everything you need is pantry- or fridge-friendly
- Healthy: Packed with lean protein and healthy fats
- Family-approved: Mild enough for kids, flavorful enough for adults
- Restaurant quality: Looks and tastes gourmet with minimal effort
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 4 flounder fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the Parmesan topping will crisp up beautifully while keeping the fish juicy and tender.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
Lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray or a small amount of butter. This will prevent the flounder from sticking and make cleanup easier.
Step 3: Mix the Garlic Butter Sauce
In a bowl, stir together the melted butter and minced garlic until well blended. Then add half of the grated Parmesan cheese, the paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until combined — this will become your flavorful, rich topping.
Step 4: Coat the Flounder
Arrange the flounder fillets in the prepared baking dish. Spoon the garlic butter mixture evenly over the top of each fillet, ensuring the fish is well coated for maximum flavor.
Step 5: Add More Parmesan
Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese generously over the coated fillets. The cheese will melt and form a deliciously crispy, savory crust while baking.
Step 6: Bake
Transfer the baking dish to the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the flounder easily flakes apart with a fork and the top is golden brown.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once baked, remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve each portion with lemon wedges on the side — the bright acidity of lemon is the perfect contrast to the rich, cheesy topping.
Enjoy this dish hot, fresh from the oven, for the best flavor and texture!
Why This Recipe Works
Flounder is a mild, delicate white fish that pairs beautifully with bold flavors. The combination of melted butter, garlic, and Parmesan enhances the flounder without overpowering it, while paprika adds a subtle smoky warmth.
Because flounder fillets are thin, they cook quickly, making this an ideal weeknight dinner. The quick oven bake locks in moisture while the Parmesan topping crisps to perfection.
Tips for Success
- Use fresh flounder if possible: It has the best flavor and texture
- Pat fish dry: This helps the topping adhere and prevents watery results
- Don’t overbake: Flounder cooks fast; check after 12 minutes
- Customize the flavor: Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for heat, or swap paprika for smoked paprika
- Serve immediately: This dish is best enjoyed hot, straight from the oven
Storage & Reheating
Storage: Store leftover garlic Parmesan flounder in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently in a 300°F oven for about 5–7 minutes, or until just warmed through. Avoid the microwave, which can make fish rubbery.
Variations
- Lemon zest: Stir a teaspoon of lemon zest into the butter for extra brightness
- Fresh herbs: Add chopped basil, thyme, or dill to the garlic butter
- Breadcrumbs: Mix in 1/4 cup of panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch
- Low-carb: This recipe is naturally low-carb and keto-friendly
- Different fish: Swap flounder for sole, tilapia, or cod if needed
Serving Suggestions
- With a side of roasted asparagus or green beans
- Over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes
- With a crisp garden salad and a light vinaigrette
- Paired with crusty bread for mopping up extra garlic butter
- Alongside lemon butter pasta for a truly luxurious seafood dinner
Perfect for These Occasions
- Quick weeknight dinners
- Holiday seafood feasts
- Dinner parties with friends
- Romantic date nights
- Easy family meals
Final Thoughts
This Best Garlic Parmesan Flounder proves that simple, high-quality ingredients can come together to create a dish that’s elegant, comforting, and downright delicious. The combination of crispy Parmesan, garlicky butter, and flaky fish is hard to beat, and you can have it on the table in under 20 minutes.
Whether you’re a seafood lover or just dipping your toe into fish recipes, this is a foolproof and crowd-pleasing choice that deserves a place in your regular dinner rotation.
Best Garlic Parmesan Flounder
Ingredients
- 4 flounder fillets about 6 ounces each
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the Parmesan topping will crisp up beautifully while keeping the fish juicy and tender.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
- Lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray or a small amount of butter. This will prevent the flounder from sticking and make cleanup easier.
Step 3: Mix the Garlic Butter Sauce
- In a bowl, stir together the melted butter and minced garlic until well blended. Then add half of the grated Parmesan cheese, the paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until combined — this will become your flavorful, rich topping.
Step 4: Coat the Flounder
- Arrange the flounder fillets in the prepared baking dish. Spoon the garlic butter mixture evenly over the top of each fillet, ensuring the fish is well coated for maximum flavor.
Step 5: Add More Parmesan
- Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese generously over the coated fillets. The cheese will melt and form a deliciously crispy, savory crust while baking.
Step 6: Bake
- Transfer the baking dish to the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the flounder easily flakes apart with a fork and the top is golden brown.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
- Once baked, remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve each portion with lemon wedges on the side — the bright acidity of lemon is the perfect contrast to the rich, cheesy topping.
- Enjoy this dish hot, fresh from the oven, for the best flavor and texture!
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