Flounder Au Gratin With Mushrooms
Creamy flounder fillets topped with mushrooms, Parmesan, and bread crumbs offer a rich, flavorful dish perfect for seafood lovers and special dinners alike.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. fresh flounder fillets ⓘ
- 16 oz. frozen flounder fillets, thawed ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. fresh mushrooms, sliced ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley ⓘ
- salt to taste ⓘ
- pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1/2 Tbsp. flour ⓘ
- 3/4 cup heavy cream or milk
- 1 1/2 Tbsp. sherry ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. grated Parmesan ⓘ
Instructions
- Sprinkle fish with salt and pepper and arrange in a shallow baking dish.
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley.
- Melt butter in a skillet; add lemon juice and blend.
- Add sliced mushrooms and sauté over low heat for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Blend in flour, then gradually add heavy cream, simmering until thickened while stirring constantly.
- Cook for an additional 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add sherry and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Pour sauce over the fish and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Top with bread crumbs and a dash of paprika.
- Bake at 450°F for 20 minutes or until fish flakes easily and top is nicely browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of fresh and frozen flounder fillets, ensuring the frozen ones are well-thawed. If you don't have sherry, white wine or a splash of vinegar can work as a substitute. For added texture, top the dish with panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs. If you prefer a creamier sauce, increase the amount of heavy cream slightly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the flounder au gratin with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh Supper Salad for a delightful contrast. A light white wine or a crisp salad pairs beautifully with this dish. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside rice or a baked potato. This dish can also be an elegant main course for seafood recipes gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the flounder au gratin in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes, covering it with foil to retain moisture. Avoid using the microwave as it may dry out the fish.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Flounder Au Gratin With Mushrooms contains roughly 587 calories, with 18g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 49g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (58% of the Daily Value) and protein (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1873mg per serving (81% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of fish for this recipe?
Yes, while flounder is recommended for its delicate flavor, you can substitute it with other mild fish like tilapia or sole. Just be mindful of cooking times, as they may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the fillets.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
If you're looking for a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. However, keep in mind that the sauce may not be as rich and creamy. For a dairy-free option, consider using coconut milk or a cashew cream blend.
How do I ensure the fish doesn't dry out while baking?
To prevent the fish from drying out, make sure to cover the baking dish with aluminum foil for the first half of the cooking time. This traps steam and keeps the fish moist. Additionally, avoid overcooking by checking for flakiness at the lower end of the baking time.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).