Flounder With Brown Butter, Lemon, and Tarragon
David Tanis / The New York Times
1 cup all-purpose flour
Salt and pepper
Pinch of cayenne
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 flounder fillets of equal size, 6 to 8 ounces each
3 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into chunks
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons roughly chopped parsley
1 teaspoon roughly chopped tarragon
A few tarragon leaves, for garnish
Lemon wedges
Put flour in a low bowl or pie plate and stir in a generous amount of salt and pepper and a pinch of cayenne.
Place a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and tilt pan to coat bottom.
Season the fillets lightly with salt and pepper. Dip each fillet quickly into flour mixture, shaking off excess flour.
Lay fillets in skillet in one layer. Cook for about 2 minutes per side, until golden. Transfer cooked fish to a warm platter.
Leave the heat at medium-high and add cold butter. Let butter sizzle until foamy and brown, but do not let it burn. Add lemon juice, parsley and chopped tarragon and swirl to incorporate.
Spoon butter sauce over fish. Garnish with a few tarragon leaves and serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Serves 4
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