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Pan-Fried Plaice Fillets: The Authentic Italian Recipe

Pan-Fried Plaice Fillets are a quick and easy fish main course. This light seafood dish is perfect for dinner and suitable for both adults and children. It's a simple yet delicious way to prepare plaice fillets that can be ready in minutes.
Recipe Pan-Fried Plaice Fillets: The Authentic Italian Recipe
  • Difficulty Medium
  • Preparation 5 minutes
  • Cooking 5 minutes
  • Servings for 2 servings

Pan-Fried Plaice Fillets are a delicious seafood main dish that’s quick and easy to prepare, ready in just minutes. Perfect for both adults and children, this traditional Italian recipe brings a delicate flavor to your table while maintaining its light character ideal for healthy dinners.

This classic preparation lets you create exquisite flour-free pan-fried plaice fillets (known as ‘platessa’ in Italy). For variation, add halved cherry tomatoes during cooking to make Pan-Fried Plaice with Cherry Tomatoes. The recipe works equally well with fresh or frozen fillets – if using frozen, ensure proper thawing (about 1 hour at room temperature) for best texture.

Cultural context: A staple in coastal Italian regions like Liguria and Veneto, this dish showcases the Mediterranean tradition of simple seafood preparations using fresh herbs like parsley (prezzemolo) and quality olive oil. While plaice is preferred, flounder or sole make excellent substitutes outside Italy. The ‘q.b.’ (quanto basta) measurement common in Italian recipes translates to seasoning adjustments based on personal taste.

Ingredients for 2 servings

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Method

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  1. To prepare Pan-Fried Plaice Fillets, start by making an emulsion with olive oil, freshly chopped parsley, minced garlic clove, and a pinch of salt. Take the plaice fillets, rinse them under running water and then gently pat them dry with kitchen paper, being careful not to break them.
    Pan Fried Flounder Fillets 1 1
    Pan Fried Plaice Fillets 2
  2. Melt a knob of butter in a pan, and once melted, add the plaice fillets and cook them for 2 minutes on each side, turning them carefully to avoid breaking.
    Pan Fried Plaice Fillets 3
    Pan Fried Flounder Fillets 5
  3. Now drizzle the plaice fillets with the parsley, oil, and garlic emulsion, cover with a lid, and cook over low heat for 3-5 minutes.
    Pan Fried Plaice Fillets 4
    Pan Fried Plaice Fillets 6
  4. Once cooked, transfer the plaice fillets to a serving plate, drizzle with the cooking juices that have formed during cooking, garnish with a few lemon slices, and your Pan-Fried Plaice Fillets are ready to be served and enjoyed. Finally, remember to download our App with exclusive content and fewer ads!
    Pan Fried Sole Fillets Recipe

Variations and Alternatives

If desired, you can deglaze the plaice fillets with a splash of white wine before adding the emulsion of parsley, olive oil, and garlic.

Storage

Pan-fried Plaice Fillets should be served immediately after cooking. Storage is not recommended.

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