Moroccan Spiced Flounder with Caper Almond Relish
Delight in the vibrant flavors of Morocco with this exquisite Pan Fried Flounder, featuring a zesty Caper Almond Relish. This dish centers on tender, flaky flounder (though feel free to substitute with cod, halibut, or even salmon) paired with a unique dressing composed of crunchy almonds, briny capers, and sweet golden raisins, all balanced with a drizzle of lemon juice and robust oils. The addition of sautéed cremini mushrooms and bright green onions not only enhances the dish's depth but also offers a beautiful presentation. Perfect for a special gathering or a comforting weeknight meal, this recipe invites you to explore the rich culinary traditions of Moroccan cuisine.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
almonds
1/2 cup (chopped (roasted, salted))
golden raisins
1/2 cup (chopped)
small capers
1/4 cup (drained)
almond oil
6 tablespoons
fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons
extra virgin olive oil
6 tablespoons
cremini mushrooms
1/2 lb (sliced)
green onions
6 (cut into 2-inch lengths)
kosher salt
to taste
freshly ground black pepper
to taste
flounder fillets
32 ounces (cleaned)
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, combine the chopped almonds, golden raisins, drained capers, almond oil, and fresh lemon juice. Set this aside to allow the flavors to meld while you prepare the fish and vegetables.
2
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the sliced cremini mushrooms and sauté for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally until they are golden brown and tender. Remove the mushrooms from the skillet and keep them warm on a plate.
3
In the same skillet, add the green onions. Season with kosher salt and black pepper, and sauté for approximately 3 minutes until they are lightly browned. Set aside with the mushrooms.
4
Prepare the flounder fillets by sprinkling them lightly with kosher salt. Allow them to sit for 5 minutes, then rinse off the salt and pat dry with paper towels to ensure a nice sear.
5
Heat 2 more tablespoons of olive oil in the skillet over high heat. Once hot, add the flounder fillets to the pan (you may need to do this in batches). Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the bottom is golden brown. Carefully flip the fillets and cook for an additional 2 minutes until the fish is opaque and cooked through.
6
To serve, place the flounder fillets on a plate, top with the Caper Almond Relish, and arrange the sautéed mushrooms and green onions alongside for a colorful and aromatic presentation.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Moroccan Spiced Flounder with Caper Almond Relish?
It is a vibrant dish featuring pan-fried flounder served with a zesty relish made from almonds, capers, and golden raisins, accompanied by sautéed cremini mushrooms and green onions.
What kind of fish can I use for this recipe?
While the recipe specifies flounder, you can easily substitute it with other white fish like cod or halibut, or even use salmon fillets.
What ingredients are in the Caper Almond Relish?
The relish consists of chopped roasted salted almonds, chopped golden raisins, drained small capers, almond oil, and fresh lemon juice.
How do I prepare the flounder before frying?
Sprinkle the fillets with kosher salt and let them sit for 5 minutes. Then, rinse off the salt and pat the fish completely dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear.
What type of mushrooms are recommended?
The recipe calls for 1/2 lb of sliced cremini mushrooms.
How long should I sauté the mushrooms?
Sauté the mushrooms in olive oil for about 8 minutes until they are golden brown and tender.
How are the green onions prepared for this dish?
The green onions should be cut into 2-inch lengths and sautéed for approximately 3 minutes until lightly browned.
What temperature should I use to cook the fish?
The flounder should be cooked over high heat in olive oil to achieve a golden brown crust.
How long does the flounder take to cook?
Cook the fillets for 3-4 minutes on the first side, then flip and cook for an additional 2 minutes until opaque.
What type of oil is used in the relish?
The relish uses 6 tablespoons of almond oil for a rich, nutty flavor.
Can I use regular raisins instead of golden raisins?
Yes, but golden raisins are preferred for their specific sweetness and color which complements the Moroccan flavor profile.
Do I need to cook the relish?
No, the relish is a cold dressing. You simply combine the ingredients in a bowl and let the flavors meld while you cook the other components.
How much fish is needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 32 ounces of cleaned flounder fillets.
What provides the acidity in the relish?
Fresh lemon juice provides the bright acidity needed to balance the oils and salt in the relish.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy recipe featuring lean protein from the fish and healthy fats from almonds and olive oil.
What is the purpose of rinsing the fish after salting?
Rinsing removes the excess surface salt after it has had time to season the meat and draw out moisture for a better sear.
What type of almonds should I buy?
The recipe suggests using roasted and salted almonds for maximum flavor and crunch.
Can I cook all the fish at once?
Depending on your skillet size, you may need to cook the flounder in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which would prevent proper browning.
What seasonings are used for the vegetables?
The green onions and mushrooms are seasoned with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
It is a blend of briny, nutty, sweet, and savory flavors inspired by Moroccan cuisine.
How do I serve the final dish?
Place the cooked flounder on a plate, top it generously with the Caper Almond Relish, and serve the sautéed mushrooms and onions on the side.
Should the capers be chopped?
The recipe uses small capers that are drained but generally left whole to provide bursts of briny flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for a dinner party?
Yes, its vibrant colors and sophisticated flavor profile make it perfect for both special gatherings and weeknight meals.
What type of olive oil is recommended?
The recipe calls for extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor during sautéing.
Can I use dried herbs in the relish?
While not in the original recipe, you could add Moroccan spices or fresh parsley, though the relish is designed to be flavorful with just the capers, nuts, and fruit.
How many green onions do I need?
You will need 6 green onions, cut into 2-inch pieces.
What is the texture of the fish?
When cooked correctly, the flounder should be tender, flaky, and opaque with a golden-brown exterior.
Can I make the relish in advance?
Yes, making the relish ahead of time allows the flavors of the raisins, capers, and oil to meld together more effectively.
Does this recipe contain many ingredients?
The recipe is relatively simple with 11 total ingredients including basic pantry staples like salt, pepper, and olive oil.
What is the best way to ensure the fish doesn't stick?
Ensure the pan and olive oil are hot (high heat) before adding the fish, and make sure the fillets have been patted completely dry.