Asparagus with fish

Cooking time 30 min
Asparagus with fish

This recipe for asparagus with fish is like a seaside escape on a plate. You get crispy flounder fillets and tender asparagus served with boiled potatoes – simple but classic. But what makes it even better is the creamy mornay sauce with spinach and dill, adding both colour and decadence to the mix. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is an excellent choice for an easy home-cooked meal.

Ingredients

Green sauce

Light mornay sauce
400 ml
Baby spinach leaves
25 g
Dill sprigs
200 ml

Fish fillets

Panko breadcrumbs
100 g
Coarse salt
1 tsp
Pepper, freshly ground
Flounder fillets, cleaned
500 g
Beaten egg
1
Butter
40 g

Sautéed vegetables

Butter
10 g
Spring onions, cleaned
200 g
Green asparagus, cleaned
300 g
Baby spinach leaves, rinsed
75 g
Coarse salt
½ tsp

Garnish

Dill sprigs

To serve

Boiled potatoes
1 kilo
Lemon (unsprayed), cut into wedges
1

Instructions

Green sauce

  • Place mornay sauce, spinach leaves, and dill in a small, heavy-bottomed saucepan. Bring the sauce to the boil while stirring.
  • Blend the sauce with an immersion blender until smooth and green. Heat through and season to taste.

Fish fillets

  • Mix breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper.
  • Fold the flounder fillets in half and dip them first in egg, then in the seasoned breadcrumbs.
  • Melt half the butter in a pan until golden. Fry the fish fillets over high heat for about 1 minute. Add the rest of the butter, then turn the fish fillets. Fry them for another minute on high heat, then reduce to low heat and fry for about 2 minutes. 
  • Remove the fish fillets from the pan and wipe it clean.

Sautéed vegetables

  • Melt the butter over high heat in the cleaned pan, but do not let it brown.
  • Sauté the spring onions over high heat for about 3 minutes.
  • Add the asparagus and sauté for 1 minute, then add the spinach and salt, and sauté for approximately 30 seconds.

To serve

  • Serve the sautéed vegetables with warm fish fillets, green sauce, and boiled potatoes.
  • Garnish with dill sprigs and lemon wedges.

Recommended information

Serving suggestion

Enjoy!

Choose the right fish fillets

When preparing flounder, freshness and quality are key. Look for fillets that are firm, moist, and have a mild, clean scent – these are clear signs of freshness. Avoid fillets with any discoloured spots or a strong fishy smell. Choose fillets that are evenly thick, ensuring a consistent, tender texture throughout when cooked. The extra attention to quality makes all the difference!

Double coat

If you want your flounder fillets to be extra crispy, double coating is the way to go. After you have coated the fish in seasoned breadcrumbs the first time, dip it back into the beaten egg and give it another layer of breadcrumbs. This makes the crust thicker and crunchier, giving you that satisfying crispiness when you bite into it. It also locks in the moisture, so the fillets stay juicy and tender inside.

FAQ: Questions about asparagus with fish

Find out all you need to know about our asparagus with fish below, where we answer some of the most frequently asked questions about this dish.

Can I use frozen fish for this recipe?

Yes, frozen fish works well for this recipe as long as it is fully defrosted before cooking. Thaw the frozen fish in the fridge overnight, or use the microwave's defrost setting for a quicker option. Once thawed, pat the fish dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.

How do I know when the fish is cooked?

To tell if your flounder is perfectly cooked, use a fork to gently test the thickest part of the fillet. The fish should flake easily, separating into tender layers beneath the crispy coating, and have an opaque appearance throughout. If you see any translucent or raw-looking areas, give it a bit more time, but keep a close eye on it. Flounder cooks quickly, so it is important to remove it from the heat as soon as it is done to avoid drying it out or overcooking.

How to store leftovers?

If you have any leftover asparagus with fish, let it cool completely. Place the fish, asparagus, and any accompanying sauce or potatoes in an airtight container, keeping the components separate, if possible, to maintain their texture. Store them in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Nutritional values

Nutritional value, per

2189 Kcal

Fibre 52.3 gram fibers
Protein 138.3 gram
Carbohydrates 257.1 gram
Fat 65.9 gram

Enjoy our recipe for asparagus with fish

Asparagus with fish is an excellent choice for a family dinner, combining crispy, golden flounder fillets with tender green asparagus. A pairing so perfect, it is practically showing off. Best of all, the green sauce made with dill and spinach complements the fish and vegetables beautifully. With this recipe in hand, you are guaranteed to have everyone coming back for seconds.

If you love asparagus, there are plenty of other dinner recipes to explore. Have a look at our asparagus pan with sweet potatoes, creamy risotto with asparagus, and pasta with green asparagus.

Crisp fish fillets with breadcrumbs

Golden, crispy perfection awaits with these flounder fillets, coated in seasoned panko breadcrumbs for the ultimate crunch. Each bite delivers a satisfying contrast between the crunchy coating and the tender, flaky fish inside.

Pan-fried to perfection, the fillets boast a beautifully crisp exterior that enriches, rather than overshadows, the delicate flavour of the fish. The breadcrumbs create a seal that locks in the natural juices of the fish, keeping every bite moist, flavourful, and downright irresistible.

Served with tender potatoes and green mornay sauce

The creamy green mornay sauce, infused with fresh dill and spinach leaves, is the ideal accompaniment to tie everything together, especially when drizzled generously over tender boiled potatoes. Suddenly, these humble spuds become a flavour-packed companion to the crispy flounder and tender asparagus. With their soft yet firm texture, the potatoes provide just the right contrast to the light, flaky fish and the crisp, delicate vegetables.

Add your own style

This recipe is a real team player if you want to add a personal touch. Consider roasted cherry tomatoes for a touch of sweetness or sautéed mushrooms for an earthy, umami taste and serve them alongside the asparagus.

If you enjoy a bit of spice, sprinkle a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne into the breadcrumbs before coating the fish. To add an herbal note, mix in finely chopped fresh parsley for a bright and refreshing touch, or use dried thyme or tarragon for a subtle, earthy flavour.

A drizzle of garlic-infused olive oil over the vegetables can add a warm, savoury layer, while toasted almond slivers or pine nuts provide a lovely crunch and mild nuttiness. For a little extra indulgence, sprinkle some grated Parmesan to add a bold, salty finish.

https://www.arlafoods.co.uk/recipes/asparagus-with-fish/