Shrimp Stuffed Flounder
Seriously, if I could give this shrimp stuffed flounder recipe an 11 out of 10, I would.
This is one of the most flavorful baked fish recipes I have ever tasted. Tender flounder gets rolled around a savory homemade shrimp stuffing made with butter, onion, celery, Pinot Grigio, Old Bay seasoning, fresh chives, and breadcrumbs. Then, everything is brushed with melted butter and lemon juice before going into the oven.
The result is absolutely delicious.
The flounder stays tender and flaky while the shrimp stuffing adds incredible flavor and texture. Meanwhile, the butter, lemon, wine, and seasonings tie everything together without overpowering the flakey fish.
If you are looking for an easy baked fish recipe that really looks more special than an ordinary weeknight dinner, this shrimp stuffed flounder needs to be on your list.
And honestly, you do not have to wait for a special occasion.
This recipe is easy enough for a family dinner but impressive enough to serve when company comes over. Once you make the shrimp stuffing and roll the flounder around it, the oven does most of the work.
Why You Will Love Shrimp Stuffed Flounder
First, the flavor is incredible.
The shrimp stuffing starts with butter, onion, and celery. As those ingredients cook together, they create a savory base for the shrimp.
The chopped shrimp cooks in the buttery mixture before Pinot Grigio adds a little brightness and depth. Old Bay seasoning, sea salt, black pepper, and fresh chives bring even more flavor.
Finally, plain breadcrumbs absorb all of those delicious juices.
That stuffing gets tucked inside tender flounder fillets before the fish gets brushed with melted butter and lemon juice. A little paprika on top adds beautiful color as the fish bakes.
The combination creates a baked fish dinner that tastes far more complicated than it actually is.
What Does Shrimp Stuffed Flounder Taste Like?
Shrimp stuffed flounder has a delicate seafood flavor with a rich, savory stuffing.
The flounder itself has a mild flavor, which makes it an excellent choice for stuffing. Rather than competing with the shrimp, the fish provides a tender base for the flavorful filling.
The shrimp brings a slightly sweet seafood flavor and hearty texture.
Meanwhile, butter adds richness, while the Pinot Grigio and lemon juice provide brightness. Old Bay contributes savory seasoning with a little extra character, and fresh chives bring a mild onion flavor.
The breadcrumbs help hold the stuffing together while soaking up all of those delicious flavors.
Every bite gives you flaky fish and savory shrimp stuffing together.
That is what makes this recipe so good.
Ingredients for Shrimp Stuffed Flounder
You only need a handful of ingredients to create this flavorful baked fish recipe.
Butter
Butter forms the foundation of the shrimp stuffing and also helps create a rich finish for the flounder.
You will use six tablespoons of butter for the stuffing and another three tablespoons of melted butter for the fish.
The butter helps the vegetables sauté and gives the stuffing plenty of richness.
Yellow Onion
Finely chopped yellow onion adds savory flavor and sweetness to the stuffing.
Cooking the onion until tender allows it to blend naturally into the filling.
Celery
Two finely chopped celery stalks add flavor and texture.
Celery also gives the stuffing a little freshness and balances the richness of the butter and shrimp.
Shrimp
One pound of chopped shrimp provides the main ingredient for the stuffing.
Chopping the shrimp into smaller pieces makes it easier to distribute throughout the filling and makes the stuffed flounder easier to roll.
Pinot Grigio
¼ cup of Pinot Grigio adds brightness and depth to the shrimp stuffing.
You do not need much wine. A small amount adds plenty of flavor without making the stuffing overly wet.
Old Bay Seasoning
½ teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning adds classic seafood flavor.
Sea Salt and Black Pepper
A little sea salt and black pepper enhance all of the other flavors.
Fresh Chives
Freshly chopped chives add a mild onion flavor and a little freshness to the stuffing.
Fresh herbs make a noticeable difference in seafood recipes, so I recommend using fresh chives when possible.
Plain Breadcrumbs
One cup of plain breadcrumbs helps bind the stuffing together.
More importantly, the breadcrumbs soak up the buttery shrimp mixture and help create a stuffing that stays inside the flounder while it bakes.
Ingredients for the Flounder
For the fish, you need four flounder fillets, melted butter, lemon juice, sea salt, black pepper, and paprika.
The simplicity of the fish seasoning allows the shrimp stuffing to remain the main flavor source.
How to Make Shrimp Stuffing
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F.
Then, melt six tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the finely chopped yellow onion and celery.
Sauté the vegetables until they become tender.
Next, add the chopped shrimp to the skillet.
Cook the shrimp for approximately 3 to 5 minutes, or until it turns pink.
At that point, pour the Pinot Grigio into the skillet and stir everything together.
Add the Old Bay seasoning, sea salt, black pepper, and freshly chopped chives.
Give everything another good stir.
Now remove the skillet from the heat.
Add the breadcrumbs and stir until they become coated with the buttery shrimp mixture.
The breadcrumbs should no longer look dry.
This step is important because you want the stuffing to hold together while still staying moist and flavorful.
Preparing the Flounder
While the stuffing comes together, prepare your flounder fillets.
Pat the fillets dry with paper towels.
Drying the fish helps remove excess moisture and makes it easier to handle.
Lay the flounder fillets out on a clean work surface.
Divide the shrimp stuffing into four equal portions.
Place one portion in the center of each flounder fillet.
Then, gently roll the flounder around the stuffing.
Place each rolled fillet seam side down in a greased baking pan.
Keeping the seam underneath helps the fish stay rolled while it bakes.
The Butter and Lemon Finish
Now comes one of my favorite parts.
Combine the melted butter and lemon juice, then generously brush the mixture over the tops of the stuffed flounder.
The butter adds richness while the lemon provides a bright, fresh flavor.
Next, season the tops with sea salt, black pepper, and paprika.
The paprika adds a beautiful color as the fish bakes, so the finished dish looks just as inviting as it smells.
At this point, your stuffed flounder is ready for the oven.
How Long to Bake Stuffed Flounder
Bake the shrimp stuffed flounder at 375°F for approximately 25 minutes.
However, cooking time can vary depending on the thickness of your fish and the size of your rolls.
The most important thing is to make sure the center of the stuffing reaches 165°F.
Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the stuffing.
Once it reaches 165°F, remove the pan from the oven.
Allow the stuffed flounder to cool for about five minutes before serving.
That short resting period gives everything a chance to settle before you cut into it.
Tips for Making the Best Shrimp Stuffed Flounder
Pat the flounder dry. Removing excess moisture makes the fillets easier to roll and helps the butter and seasonings adhere to the fish.
Chop the shrimp fairly small. Smaller pieces distribute throughout the stuffing and make rolling the fish easier.
Cook the vegetables until tender. You want the onion and celery to blend into the stuffing instead of remaining crunchy.
Do not leave the breadcrumbs dry. Stir them thoroughly into the buttery shrimp mixture so they absorb the flavor.
Place the rolls seam side down. This helps keep the stuffing inside during baking.
Use fresh lemon juice. Fresh lemon adds bright flavor to the melted butter.
Check the temperature. Make sure the stuffing reaches 165°F before serving.
Let the fish rest. Give the stuffed flounder about five minutes after baking before serving.
Why Flounder Works So Well for This Recipe
Flounder makes an excellent fish for stuffing because it has a mild flavor and delicate texture.
The thin fillets also make rolling easy.
Because flounder cooks relatively quickly, you can have a restaurant-style seafood dinner on the table without spending hours in the kitchen.
That makes this recipe a great option when you want something special but still manageable on a busy evening.
What Kind of Shrimp Should You Use?
You can use fresh or thawed shrimp for this recipe.
If you use frozen shrimp, thaw it completely and pat it dry before chopping.
Remove the shells and tails if necessary.
You do not need to use enormous shrimp for the stuffing because you will chop them into smaller pieces. Medium or large shrimp best.
Most importantly, use shrimp that smells fresh and clean.
Can You Make Shrimp Stuffed Flounder Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the shrimp stuffing ahead of time, which makes dinner preparation much easier.
Cook the stuffing, allow it to cool appropriately, and refrigerate it until you are ready to assemble the fish.
When you are ready to make dinner, prepare the flounder, add the stuffing, roll the fillets, and bake.
For the best results, I prefer assembling the fish relatively close to baking time.
The recipe itself comes together quickly, so you do not need to spend much time preparing it once the stuffing is ready.
What to Serve with Shrimp Stuffed Flounder
Because this baked fish recipe has so much flavor, I like serving it with simple side dishes.
A fresh green salad makes an easy addition.
Roasted asparagus, green beans, broccoli, or green beans are also great sides.
You can also serve the stuffed flounder with rice, roasted potatoes, or crusty bread.
Since the stuffing already contains breadcrumbs, you do not need a heavy side dish.
Instead, choose something fresh and simple that lets the seafood remain the focus of the meal.
Is Shrimp Stuffed Flounder Good for a Dinner Party?
Absolutely.
This recipe looks impressive when you bring it to the table, yet the preparation remains simple.
The rolled flounder creates an elegant presentation, while the shrimp stuffing makes the dish look and taste special.
Additionally, you can prepare the stuffing earlier in the day.
Then, when dinner approaches, assemble the fish and place it in the oven.
That gives you more time to spend with your guests instead of standing over the stove.
A Delicious Seafood Dinner Without a Lot of Fuss
I love recipes that taste like you put in far more effort than you actually did.
Shrimp stuffed flounder definitely is easier than you might think.
The shrimp stuffing has so much flavor, and the flounder provides the perfect tender, flaky base.
Butter, Pinot Grigio, Old Bay, chives, and lemon work together to create a rich and savory seafood dinner.
Most importantly, this recipe has earned a very high rating in my kitchen.
If I could give it an 11 out of 10, I absolutely would.
That might sound like a bold statement for a baked fish recipe but taste it and see.
The shrimp stuffing alone is delicious. Once you roll it inside delicate flounder, brush the top with buttery lemon, and bake everything until perfectly cooked, the combination becomes something I want to make again and again.
So, if you are looking for a new seafood recipe, give this shrimp stuffed flounder a try.
Do not let the word “stuffed” make you think the recipe will be difficult. The process is simple: make the shrimp stuffing, roll it inside the flounder, season the top, and bake.
After about 25 minutes, you will have tender baked flounder filled with savory shrimp stuffing and ready to serve.
And if your family loves seafood as much as mine does, do not be surprised when this recipe gets requested again.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature should shrimp stuffed flounder reach?
Bake the stuffed flounder until the internal temperature of the stuffing reaches 165°F. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the center of the dish.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Thaw the shrimp completely before using it. Pat it dry, remove the shells and tails if necessary, and then chop it for the stuffing.
Can I use another white fish?
Flounder works particularly well because of its thin, mild fillets. If you substitute another fish, choose a thin fillet that you can roll around the stuffing and adjust the cooking time according to the thickness.
Can I leave out the wine?
You can substitute a small amount of seafood stock or chicken broth if you prefer not to use wine. However, the Pinot Grigio adds a delicious depth and brightness to the shrimp stuffing.
Why do I need breadcrumbs in the stuffing?
The breadcrumbs help bind the shrimp stuffing together and absorb the flavorful butter and cooking juices.
How long does stuffed flounder take to bake?
At 375°F, these stuffed flounder rolls take approximately 25 minutes. Cooking time may vary, so always check that the stuffing reaches 165°F.
What goes well with shrimp stuffed flounder?
Serve it with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, asparagus, green beans, rice, potatoes, or crusty bread.
The Best Baked Fish Recipe
I do not hand out an 11 out of 10 rating very often, but this shrimp stuffed flounder has earned it.
The flavor is outstanding.
You get tender, flaky flounder wrapped around a savory shrimp stuffing filled with buttery vegetables, Pinot Grigio, Old Bay, fresh chives, and breadcrumbs. Then, melted butter and lemon juice finish the fish before it goes into the oven.
Whether you make this for a weeknight dinner, a date night at home, or a meal with friends, this baked shrimp stuffed flounder is sure to make dinner special.
More Favorite Seafood Recipes
Coquilles St Jacques
Shrimp and Grits
Shrimp Stuffed Flounder
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Ingredients
Shrimp stuffing
- 6 tbsp Butter
- 1/2 cup Yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 Celery stalks, finely chopped
- 1 pound Shrimp, chopped
- 1/4 cup Pinot Grigio
- 1/2 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- 1/4 tsp Sea salt
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper
- 1 tbsp Chives, freshly chopped
- 1 cup Plain bread crumbs
Flounder
- 4 Flounder filets
- 3 tbsp Butter, melted
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp Sea salt
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper
- 1/4 tsp Paprika
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375℉.
- Melt the butter over medium heat in a large skillet.
- Sauté the onion and celery until tender.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until pink.
- Add the pinot grigio to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Season with old bay, sea salt, black pepper, and chives.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the bread crumbs, coating the crumbs until they are no longer dry.
- Dry the flounder filets with a paper towel.
- Divide the stuffing into four portions. Place the stuffing in the middle of the flounder filets and roll to hold the stuffing in the middle.
- Place the flounder seam side down in a greased baking pan.
- Generously brush the top of the stuffed flounder with melted butter and lemon juice.
- Season with sea salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until the internal temperature of the stuffing is 165℉.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
