Parmesan panko crusted flounder is one of those meals that only looks complicated.
With a short list of simple ingredients, this elegant meal can be on your table in about 30 minutes. You won’t believe how easy it is!
Fresh flounder fillets have a naturally mild flavor and delicate, flaky texture, making them the perfect canvas for a crispy coating of panko bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese and fresh garlic.
Whether you’re whipping up dinner for the entire family on a busy weeknight or looking to serve an elevated seafood meal for a special occasion, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.
Why We Love this Recipe
This recipe combines simple ingredients with incredible flavor.
- Ready in about 30 minutes, making it an easy recipe for busy evenings.
- The coating stays crisp while the fish remains moist.
- It’s an approachable fish recipe for cooks of every skill level.
- It’s lighter than fried fish but just as satisfying.
- It pairs beautifully with many side dishes.
Ingredients
- Flounder fillets, fresh or frozen
- Parmesan cheese
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Fresh garlic cloves
- Paprika
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Dried parsley
- Salt
- Pepper
How to Make Parmesan Crusted Baked Flounder
Make the Crust Mixture
In a small bowl, combine the Parmesan cheese, panko, minced garlic, paprika, dried parsley, salt and pepper.
Then, spread the mixture out onto a plate.
Crust the Flounder
Pat the flounder fillets dry with paper towels and then brush them with olive oil. Then, coat each fillet on both sides with the panko mixture.
Now, place them onto a baking sheet.
Bake the Flounder
The flounder will bake for about 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
If you have a meat thermometer, you can check for an internal temperature of 145F degrees.
Serving Suggestions
This easy baked flounder recipe goes great with so many different side dishes! Here are some ideas:
- Roasted veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus and green beans
- Creamy mashed potatoes or roasted sweet potatoes
- A baked potato or sweet potato
- A fluffy base of rice
- A fresh salad with cherry tomatoes and cucumbers
- For beverages, pair this dish with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or another crisp dry white wine.
Variations
- Substitute mahi mahi, Dover sole or another flaky white fish if flounder isn’t available.
- Add fresh herbs like dill, parsley, thyme or basil.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over top just before serving for citrusy brightness.
- Dip in tartar sauce or cocktail sauce for classic seafood dinner vibes.
Storage Instructions
Allow the fish to cool completely before storing. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven or air fryer. Avoid using the microwave, as it could result in the crispy coating becoming soggy.
Tips for Success
- Pat the fish completely dry before coating.
- Don’t overbake. Thin fillets cook quickly.
- Adjust the baking time based on the thickness of the fish.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts and browns more evenly than pre-shredded cheese.
- Use a thin fish spatula to lift the fillets without breaking the delicate flesh.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Frozen fish is typically more cost effective than fresh fish. Thaw completely and dry thoroughly with paper towels before coating.
You can prepare the breadcrumb topping ahead of time, but it’s best to coat and bake the fish just before serving for maximum crispness.
Yes. Flounder is naturally lean, high in protein and contains beneficial fatty acids, making it a nutritious addition to a balanced diet.
Any mild white fish will work in this recipe. Try tilapia, Dover sole or cod.
The best way to check for doneness is to use a meat thermometer. The ideal internal temperature for fish is 145F degrees. If you don’t have a kitchen thermometer, visually inspect the fish to ensure it is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
When you try this Parmesan crusted baked flounder recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Drop a rating or leave a comment below. Enjoy!
For more seafood recipes, try these:
Baked Flounder with Parmesan Panko Crust
Ingredients
- 1 lb. flounder fillets
- 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp. dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp. paprika
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400F degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, combine the panko, Parmesan, dried parsley, minced garlic, paprika, salt and pepper. Spread the mixture onto a plate.
- Pat the fish dry with paper towels. Brush the fish on both sides with olive oil and coat in the panko mixture.
- Arrange the coated fish fillets on the baking sheet. Bake flounder 12-15 minutes, until fish easily flakes with a fork.
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