A few weeks ago I posted a recipe for Preserved Meyer Lemons (With A Twist) that I adapted from Epicurious.com , today I’ll be sharing my first recipe using the preserved lemons. First I have to tell you that if you have never preserved lemons, you must! I know that from now on I will always have a jar, or two, sitting in my fridge at all times. The taste is slightly salty with a lemony taste. I have to admit that I’ve always loved the combination of flavors. Mexicans combine limes or lemons with salt on many things so it’s a taste I’m used to. If you don’t like salty and slightly sour flavors you may not like the preserved lemons, but you never know until you try it.
You will notice that I suggest soaking the lemons in water prior to using them. This is to eliminate some of the extra saltiness. Also the pulp of the lemon wedges is not going to be used in this recipe. I didn’t want to over power the flounder with the extra lemon taste. But I have to admit that before I threw out the pulp I ate a few of them and they were so good. My mouth is even watering as I write this, drool. If you rather put them to use I’ve read that it can be used in soups, stews or Bloody Marys. I’ll experiment with that and let you know. I also made a jar with a twist where I added tangerine zest to the lemons. I have yet to open that jar but I can’t wait to see what they taste like, will keep you posted.
A note on the Flounder fillets, they were quite small so I served 2 fillets for each of us.
Serves 2
Ingredients:
4 Flounder fillets
6 preserved lemon wedges*
capers to taste
1 tsp granulated garlic or 3 minced garlic cloves
salt, to taste
pinch ground black pepper
1.5 tbsp good quality EVOO (extra virgin olive oil)
Optional:
fresh finely chopped celery leaf, chives, cilantro
*Place preserved lemon wedges in a bowl of water and allow to sit for a minimum of 15 minutes or up to 1 hour.*
1. Drain the lemon wedges, cut off the pulp and pith then discard and leaving the skin (zest) only. Slice the lemon zest into very thin strips, set aside. Heat the EVOO in a large pan, once warm add the zest strips and fry for 2 minutes. They will darken a bit but don’t allow to burn. Sprinkle the granulated garlic (or minced garlic), salt, black pepper into the pan and mix well for 1 minute. Next add the lemon capers and cook another minute.
2. Push the lemon and capers to the side of the pan. Add the Flounder steaks to the pan, shake it so some of the oil distributes around the fish. Cook for 5 minutes then gently flip over and cook another 4 minutes. Scoop some of the oil to pour over the fish. The thickness of the fillets will determine how much longer they will need to be cooked. They should flake easily and feel a bit firm.
To Serve:
Place the fillets on the plate then pour the lemon caper sauce over them. Sprinkle with fresh finely chopped celery leaf, chives, cilantro.
Serve with steamed white rice and/or your favorite side dishes like green asparagus or fresh green beans, etc…
What a great tip with the lemons!! Love flounder – a favorite.
This fish dish is so beautiful! Love the sauce, and it looks really tasty! Beautiful photographs as always!
@Belinda, Thank you :)
@Sandra, Thank you :) Your photographs are rocking!
I really want to make some of those lemons, as soon as I get everyone moved and I'm done with all that mess. I just grabbed your url, I've going to add the YBR logo today too. Hope you have a great weekend.
-Gina-
Gina, you should they are so good. Hope you are having a nice break. Thanks about the YBR logo. You too have a great weekend!
simple delicious flavours looks wonderful
OMG splendid photography again Nancy!! Loved the 2nd photograph :)
@Torviewtoronto, Thank you!
@Paaka Shaale, Thanks!
These flounders look so amazing. Love the citrus flavor.
Thanks Victor!
That's a beautiful sauce Nancy! The lemon sauce sounds delicious with the fish. Congrats on being featured on the Honest Food Magazine! You're well deserved!
I definitely need to try those preserved meyer lemons! They sound like a fantastic addition to this dish!
So beautiful all around…I can just imagine the aroma and beautiful flavor that you preserved lemons must impart. Wonderful!
awsm tips on lemon. Thanks! and this dish looks soo tempting and I will for sure love it. :)
YUM. your photographs are so beautiful. Lemon and caper is my favorite food combination in the world, so this post was particularly mouthwatering!
I have preserved key limes and I'm going to try them in your recipe Nancy, it looks so fantastic here;-)
I have a couple jars of meyer lemons being preserved right now! I'll definitely being stashing this recipe away for when they are ready!
WOW! YUM! This looks amazing! I'm totally going to preserve some lemons now!
I can almost taste the delicious lemon sauce that you've added to this fantastic fish! Beautiful meal!
I mostly use my meyers for curds, but now I can change that, and divide up my lemons between the curd and the preserve. Thank you for sharing!
Sheesh, my preserved lemons just turned bad. :( Could have used them to make this amazing recipes!
I have some meyer lemons in my refrigerator right now. Will have to make the preserved lemons and try them in this dish. Thanks! :)
First time here…
u have a wonderful space with interesting recipes.
Glad to follow u :)
Lovely way to bring flavour to fish without overpowering it. The yellow is quite merry :)
I love the combination of lemons and capers on fish, it just reminds me of summer and warm weather. I'll have to preserve some lemons this week, there's so much you can do with them. I'll looking forward to seeing what you do with the tangerine infused lemons!
I recently preserved lemons for the first time and have been having fun adding them to just about anything. I *love* the idea of combining them with capers. And the pulp going into a Bloody Mary is a fabulous idea.
beautiful dish indeed. love the use of lemons. yummm