Perfectly Grilled Delaware Flounder with Garlic Herb Butter

There is a distinct culinary pleasure in preparing fresh seafood, and Delaware Flounder is a true gem of the East Coast. Known for its mild, sweet flavor and delicate, flaky texture, this fish is a favorite among seafood enthusiasts. However, grilling such a fragile fillet can often be intimidating on standard grates, where the meat tends to stick or fall apart. This is where the Arteflame grill shines. Its solid steel flat-top cooktop transforms the experience, allowing you to achieve a beautiful golden sear without losing a single morsel to the fire. This recipe elevates the natural sweetness of the flounder with a rich, savory garlic herb butter that melts lusciously over the hot fish. Whether you caught the fish yourself or picked it up from a local market, this dish delivers a restaurant-quality seafood experience right in your backyard.

Ingredients

To prepare this dish, you will need fresh ingredients that highlight the fish without overpowering it. The star of the show is the flounder, so ensure it is as fresh as possible.

For the Fish

• 4 fresh Delaware Flounder fillets (approx. 6 oz each)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or grapeseed oil for high heat)
• Sea salt, to taste
• Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)

For the Garlic Herb Butter

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

Follow these steps to ensure your flounder is cooked to perfection. The key is managing your heat zones on the Arteflame to sear the fish gently but effectively.

Step 1: Fire Up the Grill

1. Start your Arteflame grill by building a medium-sized fire in the center.
2. Allow the grill to heat up for about 15-20 minutes. You want the flat steel cooktop to be hot, but not scorching.
3. Aim for a medium-high heat zone on the cooktop (usually the area midway between the center opening and the outer edge).
4. Wipe the cooktop down with a little oil to season it and ensure a non-stick surface.

Step 2: Prepare the Herb Butter

1. In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dill, lemon juice, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt.
2. Mash the ingredients together with a fork until they are well incorporated.
3. Set the butter aside at room temperature so it is ready to melt over the fish immediately after grilling.

Step 3: Season the Flounder

1. Pat the flounder fillets dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is crucial for getting a good sear rather than steaming the fish.
2. Brush both sides of the fillets generously with olive oil.
3. Season liberally with sea salt, black pepper, and the optional paprika.

Step 4: Grill the Fish

1. Place a small amount of oil or butter directly on the plancha surface where you intend to cook.
2. Lay the flounder fillets onto the hot steel. You should hear a satisfying sizzle immediately.
3. Let the fish cook undisturbed for about 2 to 3 minutes. Do not try to move it too early; the fish will naturally release from the steel once a crust has formed.
4. Carefully flip the fillets using a thin, long spatula.
5. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes on the second side, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

1. Remove the fillets from the grill and transfer them immediately to a warm serving platter.
2. While the fish is still piping hot, place a generous dollop of the garlic herb butter on top of each fillet.
3. Allow the butter to melt, coating the fish in a rich, aromatic sauce. Serve immediately.

Tips

Grilling delicate white fish requires a bit of finesse, but with the right technique, it becomes effortless. The most important rule when grilling flounder on a flat top is patience. If you try to flip the fish and it feels stuck, it simply isn't ready yet. The proteins need time to sear and release from the steel. Additionally, temperature management is key. Avoid the hottest part of the grill right next to the fire pit, as this can scorch the delicate flesh before the inside is cooked. Instead, utilize the moderate heat zones further out on the ring. Lastly, always have your compound butter ready before the fish hits the grill; flounder cooks very quickly, and you want that butter melting the second it comes off the heat.

• Ensure the grill surface is well-oiled before placing the fish down.
• Use a thin, flexible metal spatula for easier flipping.
• If the fillets are very thin, reduce cooking time to 90 seconds per side.

Variations

While the classic garlic herb butter is a crowd-pleaser, flounder's mild flavor profile makes it an excellent canvas for various culinary styles. You can easily adapt this recipe to match your mood or the theme of your dinner party. Here are a few creative twists to try on your Arteflame:

• Cajun Style: Replace the herb seasoning with a robust Cajun spice blend and finish with lime butter instead of lemon for a Southern kick.
• Mediterranean Twist: Top the grilled fish with a relish of chopped kalamata olives, capers, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil.
• Asian Fusion: Glaze the fish in the final minute of cooking with a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil, garnishing with scallions.
• Citrus Explosion: Add orange and lime zest to the butter for a brighter, more complex citrus profile.
• Crispy Breaded: Lightly dust the fillets in seasoned flour or cornmeal before placing them on the oiled flat top for a crispy, fried-fish texture without the deep fryer.

Best pairings

To create a balanced meal, pair your grilled flounder with sides that complement its light texture and buttery richness without overwhelming it. Since you already have the Arteflame heated up, it makes sense to cook your sides right alongside the fish. Vegetable sides work particularly well, as they cut through the richness of the herb butter.

• Grilled Asparagus: Toss fresh spears in oil and salt, and grill them on the flat top until tender-crisp.
• Roasted Fingerling Potatoes: Slice potatoes in half and roast them on the cooler outer edge of the grill until golden brown.
• Charred Lemon Halves: Grill lemon halves cut-side down for 2 minutes and squeeze the warm, caramelized juice over the fish.
• Fresh Arugula Salad: A peppery arugula salad with a light vinaigrette provides a nice contrast to the hot, buttery fish.
• Wine Pairing: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a dry Pinot Grigio pairs perfectly with the lemon and herb notes of this dish.

Conclusion

Grilling Delaware Flounder on the Arteflame is a revelation for anyone who loves seafood but fears the grill. The solid cooktop protects the delicate meat while imparting a delicious sear that you simply cannot achieve in a frying pan. With the addition of the homemade garlic herb butter, this simple dish transforms into an elegant meal that celebrates fresh ingredients and outdoor cooking. Whether you are hosting a summer dinner party or enjoying a quiet family meal, this recipe offers a foolproof way to enjoy one of the ocean's finest offerings. Fire up the grill, pour a glass of wine, and enjoy the process of creating something truly delicious.