Ingredients:

  • 1.5 lbs fresh flounder fillets
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.5 tsp sea salt
  • 0.25 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large lemon, juiced and zested
  • 1 tbsp fresh Italian parsley, finely chopped
  • 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes

Instructions:

  1. Pat the flounder fillets extremely dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy texture. Season both sides evenly with sea salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over high heat until shimmering. Carefully place fillets in the pan, laying them away from you.
  3. Sear the fish for 2–3 minutes without moving them until a golden crust forms. Carefully flip the fillets using a fish spatula.
  4. Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the pan spaces for 30 seconds until fragrant. Deglaze the pan by squeezing lemon juice directly over the fish.
  5. Add the chilled butter cubes and red pepper flakes. Swirl the pan gently as the butter melts and emulsifies with the lemon juice. Spoon the sauce over the fish for 60 seconds.
  6. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon zest. Serve immediately while the fish is flaky and the sauce is warm.