Imagine a dish that transports you to the sun-drenched coastal regions of the Mediterranean with just one bite - this Lemon Pepper Flounder is your culinary passport to flavor paradise! Perfectly seasoned delicate fish meets crisp asparagus and creamy mascarpone, creating a restaurant-quality meal you can effortlessly prepare in your own kitchen. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a gourmet weeknight dinner, this recipe promises to elevate your cooking game and tantalize your palate with its vibrant, fresh flavors.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- Flounder fillets
- Lemon juice
- Lemon pepper seasoning
- Couscous
- Asparagus, trimmed
- Mascarpone cheese
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients: Pat flounder fillets dry with paper towels. Trim asparagus ends and cut into 2-inch pieces. Measure out lemon juice, olive oil, and seasonings.
- Season flounder: Sprinkle lemon pepper seasoning evenly over both sides of fish fillets. Drizzle with fresh lemon juice and a light coating of olive oil. Let marinate for 5 minutes at room temperature.
- Cook couscous: In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil according to package instructions. Remove from heat, add couscous, cover, and let sit for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
- Roast asparagus: Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 10-12 minutes until tender and slightly crisp.
- Cook flounder: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil. Cook fish fillets for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Plate dish: Spread couscous on plates, arrange roasted asparagus alongside. Place flounder fillets on top. Dollop mascarpone cheese near the fish and garnish with extra lemon zest if desired.
- Serve immediately while fish is hot and asparagus is crisp. Enjoy your Mediterranean-style seafood meal.
Tips
- Pat fish fillets completely dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden exterior
- Let fish marinate at room temperature for maximum flavor absorption
- Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest, most vibrant taste
- Don't overcrowd the skillet when cooking fish to achieve perfect browning
- Check fish doneness by ensuring it flakes easily with a fork
- Serve immediately to maintain the crisp texture of asparagus and the flakiness of the fish
- For extra richness, use high-quality extra virgin olive oil
- If mascarpone is too rich, you can substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter touch
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 85mg
