How to Cook Delicious Flounder Stuffed with Crab Meat

Flounder stuffed with crab meat is a delicious seafood dish that looks elegant but is surprisingly easy to make. The combination of flaky white fish and sweet crab makes for a meal that is sure to impress Follow this simple guide to learn how to cook flounder stuffed with crab to perfection

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 4 fresh flounder fillets, about 4-6 ounces each
• 1 cup lump crab meat, picked over for shells
• 1⁄4 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• Lemon wedges for serving

Preparing the Flounder

Start by patting the flounder fillets dry with paper towels. You want the surface of the fish to be as dry as possible so that the crab mixture adheres well. Lay the fillets flat on a clean work surface. Next, drizzle them lightly with olive oil or melted butter and season both sides with salt and pepper. This adds flavor and helps create a nice sear on the fish.

If the flounder fillets are thick, you can also carefully slice into the thicker side of each fillet to create a pocket for the stuffing This prevents it from falling out during cooking.

Making the Crab Stuffing

In a mixing bowl, combine the lump crab meat, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, minced garlic, and chopped parsley. Be sure to pick through the crab meat first to remove any stray shells or cartilage. Season the crab mixture generously with salt and pepper.

Stir everything together until fully combined. Taste the stuffing and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more lemon juice for brightness or garlic and mustard for punch. The stuffing should be very flavorful to complement the mild flounder.

Filling and Rolling the Flounder

Divide the crab stuffing evenly among the flounder fillets, spreading it over the surface of each in an even layer. Starting at the narrower end, carefully roll up each fillet to encase the filling completely.

Secure the rolls with toothpicks if needed to prevent them from unrolling during cooking. Place the stuffed flounder rolls seam side down in a lightly greased baking dish.

Baking the Stuffed Flounder

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Brush the tops of the flounder rolls lightly with melted butter and season again with salt and pepper. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The stuffing should be bubbling and lightly browned.

Baking is the easiest and most foolproof way to cook stuffed flounder, as the gentle heat thoroughly cooks the fish without overcooking the delicate crab filling.

Serving Suggestions

Once baked, transfer the stuffed flounder to plates and drizzle with extra lemon butter sauce for added richness. This dish pairs wonderfully with fresh seasonal vegetables like asparagus or green beans, roasted potatoes, or a crisp green salad.

Some other easy serving ideas include:

• Top with toasted breadcrumbs or chopped parsley for crunch.

• Serve with roasted red pepper or lemon aioli for dipping.

• Add a squirt of fresh lemon over the cooked fish.

• Garnish with thin lemon slices or wedges.

• Pair with a chilled white wine or light beer.

With its combination of textures and bright, balanced flavors, baked flounder stuffed with crab is an impressive yet easy main course for any occasion. Follow these simple steps and you’ll have a restaurant-worthy meal ready in under 30 minutes.

Cooking Tips

• Use fresh lump or jumbo lump crab meat for the best texture and flavor. Canned crab can make the stuffing mushy.

• Let the stuffed flounder rolls rest for 5 minutes before serving so the juices redistribute.

• If the stuffing seems dry, add another tablespoon of mayo or a splash of milk to moisten it.

• Cook just until the fish flakes easily and the stuffing is heated through, being careful not to overbake.

• Stuffing can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to a day before stuffing the fish.

• Flounder is a delicate fish that can dry out quickly. Baking helps prevent overcooking.

• Try different white fish like tilapia, snapper, cod or sole for varying flavor and texture.

With this easy recipe, you can now make your own restaurant-quality stuffed flounder at home. Impress your family with your culinary skills and enjoy the delightful combination of flaky fish and sweet crab. This is definitely a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds!