Poached Flounder Recipes

SHALLOW-POACHED FISH FILLETS

Steps:

• Prepare poaching liquid: Gently squeeze kumquats over a measuring cup to release juice. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. When it is foamy, sweat the shallot until it is softened but not taking on any color, about 2 minutes. Add wine, tangerine juice, and kumquats (and juice) and bring to a simmer.
• Poach fish: Fold thin ends ("tails") of fish fillets under a little so the fillets have a more uniform thickness. Season with salt, then gently slide the fillets into the simmering liquid. The fish will not be completely covered with liquid but should be in a single layer. Cover with a parchment-paper round and reduce heat so the liquid is barely moving (just under a simmer). Poach until fish is opaque throughout and flaky to the touch. (Check after 1 minute, but it may take up to 5 minutes.) Use a slotted fish spatula (or other long spatula) to transfer fish to a platter. Cover with parchment paper and set in a warm spot until ready to serve.
• Make buerre blanc: Pour the cooking liquid through a fine sieve to strain out the solids, pressing on the fruit to extract as much liquid as possible. Return liquid to skillet and boil over moderate heat until reduced to about 3 tablespoons, 2 to 3 minutes. Turn off heat and gradually add the butter, whisking in a few cubes at a time. If butter isn't melting, return pan to moderate heat and swirl to hasten melting. Whisk until each addition is incorporated before adding more. When all of the butter has been added, stir in the sliced kumquats. You should have about 1/2 cup sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
• Serve: Drizzle buerre blanc over fish, and garnish with mint.

FLOUNDER FISH SALAD

Steps:

• Whisk together the oil and vinegar in a medium-mixing bowl. Add the black pepper, salt, lime juice, hot sauce, scallions, parsley, and lemon and stir to combine. Taste and adjust the seasoning if desired. Add the fish and gently mix to combine.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. In a medium saucepan over low heat, bring the olive oil to 300 to 310 degrees F. While the oil is heating, season the flounder fillets on all sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Lay half of the sliced lemons and half of the parsley in the bottom of a cast iron skillet large enough to hold the fillets in a single layer without overlapping. Lay the seasoned fillets on top of the lemons. Top with the remaining lemons and parsley. Once the oil has reached temperature, gently pour it over the fillets, and place in the oven and poach for 10 minutes. Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving.

FLOUNDER SAUTE WITH MUSHROOMS AND WILTED SPINACH

Steps:

• Place the flour on a plate and season with salt and pepper. Lightly dust the flounder on both sides with the seasoned flour. Heat 2 teaspoons of the olive oil in a large, heavy nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Place the flounder in the pan and saute on one side for about 90 seconds. Turn the fish over. Squeeze the lemon juice on the fish and sprinkle the scallions evenly over the fillets. Cook for 30 seconds and divide among 4 warm plates.
• Place the remaining teaspoon of olive oil in the skillet. Add the mushrooms and season them lightly with salt and pepper. Saute until soft, shaking the pan constantly, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the wine, increase the heat to high and continue to cook for about 1 minute, until the smell of alcohol disappears. Remove the pan from the heat, add the spinach and toss quickly until it barely wilts. Taste and season again with salt and pepper. Divide the spinach over each flounder fillet and serve immediately.

FLOUNDER POACHED IN FENNEL-TOMATO SAUCE

Steps:

• Coarsely grind fennel seeds and red pepper flakes in a spice mill or with a mortar and pestle. Alternatively, place in a resealable freezer bag. Crush with a rolling pin or large skillet. Set aside.
• Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add sliced fennel, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring often, until soft, 10-12 minutes. Add spices and cook, stirring often, until spices are beginning to darken, about 1 minute.
• Add marinara sauce and 1/2 cup water to skillet; bring to a simmer and cook to meld flavors, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
• Season fish with salt and pepper and fold fillets in thirds or in half to form packets. Place fillets in sauce. Cover skillet and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook until fish is opaque and beginning to flake, 12-15 minutes.
• Divide fennel-tomato sauce and fish among shallow bowls. Sprinkle tarragon and fennel fronds over.