Texas Smoked Flounder Recipe

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Smoked Flounder Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 whole flounder
• 1 lemon, halved
• Ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup wood chips, soaked

Directions:

1. Preheat a smoker for high heat, about 350F (175C). If you do not have a smoker, prepare a grill for indirect heat. Note: If you are using a gas grill, this recipe may not work properly.
2. Clean and scale the fresh flounder. If desired, leave the head on for a more dramatic presentation, though some might prefer it removed. Using a sharp knife, make 3 or 4 diagonal slits on the fish body, large enough to insert lemon slices.
3. Slice half of the lemon into thin slices. Rub a light coating of olive oil over the fish, then squeeze the juice from the other half of the lemon onto it. Season with ground black pepper.
4. Press 1 tablespoon of chopped dill into the slits of the fish body, and place the lemon slices firmly inside the slits.
5. Place the fish on a large sheet of aluminum foil. Fold the sides up high around the fish, leaving the packet open for now, but ensure there is enough foil to seal it later.
6. Place the fish on the grill or smoker, and add a couple of handfuls of soaked wood chips to the coals. Close the lid and smoke for about 10 minutes.
7. Once the fish has absorbed the smoke flavor, you can seal the foil packet and move it to direct heat if desired. However, smoking it through to completion is recommended for the best result. The fish is done when the flesh flakes easily with a fork.
8. Carefully remove the fish from the grill using the foil as a handle. Garnish with the remaining fresh dill and serve immediately.

Tips:

• Apple or other light wood chips are ideal for smoking fish, though oak, mesquite, or hickory will also work.
• You can prepare multiple fish in advance, sealing them up in foil and storing them in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
• This recipe can also be adapted for trout, but flounder cooks quickly. If you're new to smoking, it might take a few tries to perfect the timing, but the effort is well worth it.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 385
• Fat: 11g (14% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 2g (10% Daily Value)
• Cholesterol: 181mg (60% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 284mg (12% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrates: 6g (2% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 3g (10% Daily Value)
• Protein: 65g (130% Daily Value)
• Vitamin C: 45mg (50% Daily Value)
• Calcium: 91mg (7% Daily Value)
• Iron: 2mg (9% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 1028mg (22% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may vary depending on your calorie needs.

Author: JVCALLAWAY

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 2

Calories: 385 kcal

Description: This Texas smoked flounder proves nothing tastes better than smoked fish on a summer day. Made with lemon and dill, it is great as a main dish or snack.

Origin and History

The practice of smoking fish has deep roots in American culinary traditions, particularly in regions with abundant fresh seafood. While the technique itself can be traced back thousands of years to ancient preservation methods, the Texas smoked flounder recipe is a relatively modern invention. The dish reflects Texas' love for grilling and smoking meats, a culinary tradition deeply ingrained in the state's culture. Historically, smoked fish would have been a way to preserve fish for longer storage, but today, it serves as a flavor-enhancing method, making the fish succulent and rich in flavor.

Regional Variations

Texas, known for its diverse and bold flavors, brings its unique touch to the smoked flounder. The use of wood chips in the smoking process adds an extra layer of smokiness that is characteristic of Texas barbecue traditions. While flounder is popular in coastal states like Texas, variations of smoked fish recipes can also be found in other regions like the Pacific Northwest, where salmon is often smoked, or in the Gulf Coast, where fish like redfish are smoked in similar ways. Despite these variations, the essence of smoking fish remains consistent across these regions: creating a tender, flavorful dish that highlights the fishs natural taste while infusing it with smoky richness.

How It Differs From Similar Dishes

What sets Texas smoked flounder apart from other smoked fish dishes is the specific combination of ingredients and the smoking method. While other smoked fish dishes might use different types of wood or seasonings, the Texas version often incorporates the fresh, zesty flavors of lemon and dill, along with a delicate olive oil rub, enhancing the fish's natural sweetness. The use of foil to hold the fish while it smokes ensures that the moisture is trapped, allowing for a more succulent and tender texture. In contrast, many other smoked fish recipes might dry out the fish or use different preparation techniques, such as brining or marinating.

Where Is It Served?

Texas smoked flounder is often served in casual outdoor settings like barbecues, picnics, or family gatherings. Its smoky aroma and fresh flavors make it a popular choice for summer evenings, especially when the weather is perfect for grilling. In Texas, you might find this dish at coastal seafood restaurants, BBQ joints, or even at local fish markets, where freshly smoked fish is available. It's also common at outdoor festivals, where the smell of wood chips and grilling fish fills the air, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Interesting Facts

• Flounder is a flat fish, which means it has a unique shape that allows it to cook evenly and absorb flavors well, making it an ideal choice for smoking.
• The wood chips used in smoking can be chosen for their flavor, with applewood or mesquite being popular choices in Texas for their mild but distinctive smoky notes.
• Smoking fish is an ancient practice that not only improves the flavor but also acts as a preservation method. Today, it is more about enhancing the natural flavors of the fish rather than preservation.
• The popularity of smoked fish recipes has skyrocketed with the rise of outdoor cooking, and smoking fish is now a common method for both professional chefs and home cooks alike.

FAQ about Texas Smoked Flounder Recipe

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