Spinach Stuffed Flounder
If you’re on the hunt for a delightful seafood dish that’s both elegant and simple to prepare, then look no further than Spinach Stuffed Flounder. This dish combines tender flounder fillets with a savory stuffing made from fresh spinach, creamy cottage cheese, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes. It’s the perfect recipe for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, and it brings a burst of flavor to your plate. Let’s dive into why this dish deserves a spot on your dinner table.
Top Reasons to Make Spinach Stuffed Flounder
There are countless reasons to love this Spinach Stuffed Flounder recipe. Here are just a few:
- Quick and Easy: With just a handful of ingredients and under 30 minutes of cooking time, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with vitamins from the spinach and protein from the cottage cheese, this dish is a wholesome choice for dinner.
- Flavorful: The combination of garlic, red pepper flakes, and sun-dried tomatoes creates a delightful flavor profile that elevates the mild taste of flounder.
- Impressive Presentation: Stuffed fish is visually appealing and sure to impress your guests or family.
Ingredient List
To make Spinach Stuffed Flounder, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup finely diced onion
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups baby spinach leaves
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, diced or cut into slivers
- 4 skinless flounder fillets
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- Juice from half a lemon
- ½ to 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
Cook’s Kit
Before you start cooking, gather your essential tools:
- Large Skillet: For sautéing the onions, garlic, and spinach.
- Baking Dish: To bake the stuffed flounder in the oven.
- Mixing Bowl: To combine the stuffing ingredients.
- Sharp Knife: For slicing the sun-dried tomatoes and preparing the flounder.
- Cooking Spoon: For mixing and serving.
Make Spinach Stuffed Flounder: A Simple Method
Follow these easy steps to create your Spinach Stuffed Flounder:
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Add the Spinach
Add the baby spinach leaves to the skillet, along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook until the spinach has wilted, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of spice.
Step 3: Prepare the Stuffing
In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed spinach mixture with the cottage cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes. Mix well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
Step 4: Stuff the Flounder
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lay the flounder fillets on a clean surface, and spoon an even amount of the spinach stuffing onto each fillet. Carefully roll the fillets up, placing them seam-side down in a baking dish.
Step 5: Add Final Touches
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with lemon juice and Old Bay seasoning. Drizzle this mixture over the stuffed flounder.
Step 6: Bake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Variations for Dietary Needs
This Spinach Stuffed Flounder recipe is versatile and can be adapted to suit various dietary preferences:
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the flounder with large portobello mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian dish.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure that the sun-dried tomatoes and any other packaged ingredients are certified gluten-free.
- Cheese-Free: Use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative if you’re looking for a vegan option.
Errors to Dodge
When preparing your Spinach Stuffed Flounder, keep these common pitfalls in mind:
- Overcooking: Fish can dry out quickly, so keep an eye on it and test for doneness early.
- Too Much Filling: Stuffing the flounder too full can lead to a messy bake; ensure it’s rolled tightly but not overflowing.
- Skipping the Seasoning: Don’t forget to season your stuffing and the fish for maximum flavor!
Meal Prep & Storage Notes
If you’re looking to plan ahead, here’s how to handle your Spinach Stuffed Flounder:
These stuffed fillets can be assembled a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator before baking. Just cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap. When you’re ready to cook, simply remove the wrap and bake as directed.
Leftover Spinach Stuffed Flounder can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Top Questions & Answers
Can I use frozen flounder fillets for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen flounder fillets. Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before stuffing.
What can I serve with Spinach Stuffed Flounder?
This dish pairs beautifully with a side of Creamed Spinach or a light salad for a complete meal.
Can I make the stuffing ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the spinach stuffing a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to stuff the flounder.
What if I can’t find sun-dried tomatoes?
If sun-dried tomatoes are unavailable, you can substitute them with chopped olives or roasted red peppers for a different flavor profile.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this Spinach Stuffed Flounder, you might also like these delicious recipes:
Before You Go
This Spinach Stuffed Flounder recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience filled with flavor, nutrition, and culinary delight. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this dish is sure to impress. With its rich filling and tender fish, every bite is a reminder of why we love home-cooked meals. Enjoy your culinary adventure, and happy cooking!
Share on Pinterest
Spinach Stuffed Flounder
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add the baby spinach leaves to the skillet, along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook until the spinach has wilted, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of spice.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed spinach mixture with the cottage cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes. Mix well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lay the flounder fillets on a clean surface, and spoon an even amount of the spinach stuffing onto each fillet. Carefully roll the fillets up, placing them seam-side down in a baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with lemon juice and Old Bay seasoning. Drizzle this mixture over the stuffed flounder.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Notes
- These stuffed fillets can be assembled a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator before baking.
- Leftover Spinach Stuffed Flounder can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Use frozen flounder fillets by thawing them completely and patting them dry before stuffing.
