Meta Description: Discover the ultimate Baked Flounder with Crab Stuffing Recipe! Learn how to make an easy crab stuffed flounder that is perfect for any occasion, complete with a quick lemon butter sauce and tips for the perfect flounder roll-ups recipe.
Elegant & Easy: The Best Baked Flounder with Crab Stuffing Recipe
There’s a dish that, for me, instantly transports me to a cozy coastal restaurant—the kind with quiet booths and the rhythmic sound of waves outside. It’s not a complicated dish; in fact, it’s quite simple, yet it always feels deeply luxurious: Baked Flounder with Crab Stuffing.
I remember trying to recreate this dish for a special anniversary dinner early in my cooking journey. I pictured perfectly rolled, golden fillets, but what I ended up with was a messy, wet disaster—the stuffing ran out, and the flounder turned to mush. It was humbling, to say the least! I learned quickly that the secret to flounder roll-ups recipe perfection isn’t fancy ingredients, but proper technique and a well-bound homemade seafood stuffing.
That experience paved the way for this ultimate guide. Baked Flounder with Crab Stuffing Recipe is an absolute showstopper because it combines the delicate flakiness of white fish with the sweet richness of crab. It looks complicated, but I promise, this recipe is surprisingly easy crab stuffed flounder you can master today. We’ll cover everything from selecting the right fillets to the genius trick that keeps your stuffing securely inside the fish while it bakes to a beautiful golden brown. Get ready to impress yourself (and anyone lucky enough to share your dinner table)!
🎣 The Core Components: Flounder and Crab
The success of this dish lies in the balance between the mild fish and the flavorful, hearty stuffing. Choosing the right ingredients is the most important step.
### The Flounder: Delicate and Perfect
Flounder is an ideal fish for stuffing because its fillets are thin, mild, and roll easily. You’ll often hear this preparation referred to as flounder roll-ups recipe.
- Best Flounder Fillets for Baking: Ask your fishmonger for thin, large, and uniform fillets. Look for portions that are about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Thicker fillets will take too long to cook and may dry out the stuffing.
- Alternatives: If you can’t find flounder, sole (Dover or Lemon) or tilapia are excellent substitutes due to their similar thinness and mild flavor.
### The Crab: Making the Stuffing Shine
The stuffing is the star, so use good quality crab meat.
- Type of Crab: Lump crab meat provides the best texture and visual appeal, offering big, sweet chunks. Canned or frozen crab can work, but avoid imitation crab for this recipe—we want authentic flavor!
- Binding Agent: We use a touch of egg and a cracker crumb binder to ensure the homemade seafood stuffing stays cohesive and doesn’t get watery.
✅ Ingredients for Baked Flounder with Crab Stuffing
This recipe focuses on clean, coastal flavors that truly highlight the quality of the seafood.
| Quantity | Ingredient | Notes |
| 4 | Flounder Fillets | Large, thin fillets (about 4-6 oz each). |
| 1 Tbsp | Olive Oil | For prepping the baking dish. |
| 1 Tbsp | Lemon Juice, Freshly Squeezed | For seasoning the fish. |
| To Taste | Salt and White Pepper | Seasoning the flounder fillets themselves. |
✅ Ingredients for the Homemade Seafood Stuffing
| Quantity | Ingredient | Notes |
| 8 oz | Lump Crab Meat | Picked over for any shell fragments. |
| 1/2 Cup | Fine Cracker Crumbs | Panko or butter cracker crumbs work well. |
| 1/4 Cup | Mayonnaise | Helps bind the mixture and adds moisture. |
| 1 Large | Egg Yolk | The essential binder for cohesion. |
| 2 Tbsp | Celery, Finely Diced | For crunch and classic flavor. |
| 2 Tbsp | Red Bell Pepper, Finely Diced | For color and slight sweetness. |
| 1 Tbsp | Dijon Mustard | Adds a nice, sharp tang. |
| 1 tsp | Old Bay Seasoning | The classic spice blend for crab. |
| 1 Tbsp | Fresh Parsley, Chopped | For color and freshness. |
| 1/4 tsp | Garlic Powder | A hint of savory depth. |
| To Taste | Salt and Black Pepper | Check seasoning after mixing. |
✅ Ingredients for the Simple Lemon Butter Sauce
| Quantity | Ingredient | Notes |
| 4 Tbsp | Unsalted Butter | Melted. |
| 1 Tbsp | Fresh Lemon Juice | Freshly squeezed for brightness. |
| 1 tsp | Dried Dill | Pairs wonderfully with fish. |
⏰ Prep Time & Cook Time Summary
| Metric | Time |
| Prep Time | 25 Minutes |
| Cook Time | 20 Minutes |
| Rest Time | 5 Minutes |
| Total Time | 50 Minutes |
| Servings | 4 |
🔪 The Preparation: Creating the Perfect Roll-Ups
The two biggest challenges in making easy crab stuffed flounder are ensuring the stuffing stays put and that the thin fillets don’t overcook. We will address both in these steps.
1. Prepare the Homemade Seafood Stuffing
It is important to mix the stuffing gently to keep the crab lumps intact.
- In a medium bowl, combine the lump crab meat, cracker crumbs, mayonnaise, egg yolk, celery, red bell pepper, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, parsley, and garlic powder.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Mix Gently: Use a spatula or your hands to gently fold the ingredients together until they are just combined. You do not want to break up the crab lumps.
- Divide the mixture into four equal portions.
2. Prepare the Flounder Fillets
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish (9×13 or similar) with olive oil.
- Lay the flounder fillets flat on a cutting board, skin-side down (if present).
- Pat the fillets dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is crucial for a nice texture.
- Lightly sprinkle both sides of the fish with salt, white pepper, and a tiny squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
3. Roll and Secure the Fillets
This is the secret to a perfect flounder roll-ups recipe!
- Take one portion of the homemade seafood stuffing and press it gently into a small log shape that is slightly shorter than the width of your flounder fillet.
- Place the stuffing log near the wider end of the flounder fillet.
- Gently roll the fillet up, starting from the wide end towards the tail.
- Place the rolled fillet in the prepared baking dish, with the seam side down. This simple trick, along with the firm stuffing, is usually enough to keep the roll intact without needing toothpicks. Repeat for the remaining fillets.
4. Bake to Perfection
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.
- Bake for approximately 18 to 20 minutes. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your fillets.
- The fish is done when the stuffing is heated through and the fish is opaque and flaky. Use an instant-read thermometer to check: the flounder internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
- While the fish is resting, quickly whisk together the simple lemon butter sauce ingredients (melted butter, lemon juice, and dried dill).
5. Serve
Remove the baked flounder with crab stuffing from the oven. Drizzle the warm simple lemon butter sauce generously over the roll-ups. Garnish with a little fresh parsley or a lemon wedge, and serve immediately!
🌟 Adding Value: Pairings, Variations, and Pro Tips
A complete dining experience involves more than just the main dish. Let’s look at how to perfectly complement this elegant entree.
Creative Serving & Pairing Suggestions
Since the dish is mild and slightly rich, aim for side dishes that offer texture and brightness.
- Asparagus Spears: Blanched or lightly roasted asparagus is a classic, healthy pairing. Drizzle them with any leftover simple lemon butter sauce.
- Wild Rice Pilaf: A nutty, hearty rice pilaf provides a textural contrast to the soft fish and stuffing.
- Roasted Potatoes: Small, seasoned roasted potatoes provide comforting warmth and substance.
- Wine Pairing: A crisp, unoaked white wine is a necessity here. A dry Sauvignon Blanc or a refreshing Pinot Gris will cut through the richness of the butter and crab beautifully.
Recipe Variations: Customizing the Stuffing
This is the best flounder with crab stuffing recipe because the stuffing is so versatile. You can easily adapt the flavor profile:
- Shrimp Addition: For a truly decadent homemade seafood stuffing, add 2 ounces of finely minced cooked shrimp to the mix. It adds a subtle sweetness and extra body.
- Spicier Kick: Substitute the white pepper for a small pinch of cayenne pepper in the stuffing.
- Herbaceous Stuffing: Swap the dried dill for fresh herbs. Chopped chives, tarragon, or a tiny bit of fresh thyme can give the dish an entirely different French or Mediterranean feel.
💡 Pro Tips for a Perfect Finish
- Dry Flounder, Moist Stuffing: The key balance! Patting the fish dry ensures it bakes properly, and ensuring your stuffing is well-bound prevents it from oozing out during cooking.
- Resting is Essential: Just like resting meat, letting the baked flounder with crab stuffing rest for 5 minutes allows the internal heat to redistribute and helps the juices settle, preventing the fillets from falling apart when you serve them.
- Using a Baking Sling: If you are using very thin, delicate fillets, you can create a sling out of parchment paper. Roll the flounder, place it on a small strip of parchment paper, and lift the paper out of the pan with the fish on it when done.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Stuffed Flounder
It’s common to have specific questions when working with delicate fish. These answers will help you cook with confidence!
How do I stop the crab stuffing from being dry?
The mayonnaise and the single egg yolk are essential for keeping the stuffing moist and bound. Also, make sure you don’t use too many breadcrumbs or crackers. The moisture from the crab meat and the binders should result in a stuffing that holds its shape well, but is still tender. If your mixture feels too dry before rolling, add half a teaspoon of melted butter or mayonnaise.
What is the ideal flounder internal temperature?
The official recommended minimum internal temperature for all cooked fish and seafood is 145°F (63°C). Using an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of the thickest part of the roll is the best way to ensure it’s safe and perfectly cooked—not overcooked!
Can I make the stuffing ahead of time?
Yes! You can easily prepare the entire homemade seafood stuffing mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This makes the final assembly and baking process incredibly fast, turning this into a true easy crab stuffed flounder weeknight meal. Just be sure to bring the mixture out 15 minutes before stuffing to take the chill off.
Is frozen flounder acceptable for this recipe?
Absolutely. If you are using frozen flounder, the most critical step is ensuring it is completely thawed and then thoroughly patted dry before seasoning and stuffing. This prevents excess moisture from being released during baking, which could make your baked flounder with crab stuffing watery.
📊 Nutritional Information (Estimated)
Note: Nutritional values are estimated per serving and may vary based on the exact size of the flounder fillets and the amount of fat used in the stuffing and sauce.
| Nutrient | Per Serving (Estimated) |
| Calories | 340 kcal |
| Protein | 36 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7 g |
| Carbohydrates | 9 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sodium | 650 mg |
🧊 Storage Tips and Reheating
If you manage to have any leftovers of this incredible dish, here is how to handle them to maintain the best quality.
Storage
Allow the Baked Flounder with Crab Stuffing to cool completely. Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating
The enemy of reheated fish is the microwave, which often makes it rubbery.
- Oven/Toaster Oven: The best method is to reheat the flounder roll-ups recipe gently. Place the roll-ups in a small, oven-safe dish and cover them loosely with foil. Reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. This preserves the delicate texture of the fish and the stuffing.
- Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This will gently crisp the outside of the stuffing without drying out the flounder.
✨ Conclusion: A New Standard for Seafood
You’ve made it! You now possess the knowledge and the perfect Baked Flounder with Crab Stuffing Recipe to elevate your home cooking. We tackled the delicate process of creating the ideal homemade seafood stuffing, learned the simple trick to perfecting the flounder roll-ups recipe without losing the filling, and mastered the quick simple lemon butter sauce that brings the whole dish together.
This meal proves that you don’t need complicated techniques to create something truly elegant and memorable. The combination of flaky flounder and sweet, savory crab is a classic for a reason. It’s a dish that feels like a splurge but is entirely approachable.
Now, it’s time to put this knowledge to the test. Head to the market, grab your fresh ingredients, and prepare to be amazed at how simple it is to create this restaurant-quality meal. Give this easy crab stuffed flounder a try this week. When you do, be sure to savor every luxurious, buttery, crab-filled bite. Enjoy! 😋
