To cook flathead fillets in a frying pan, follow these steps:
Prepare the fillets: Rinse the flathead fillets under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Check for any remaining bones and remove them using tweezers or fish pliers.
Season the fillets: Season the fillets with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. You can also lightly coat the fillets with flour or a fish seasoning blend for added flavor and a crispy texture.
Preheat the frying pan: Place a frying pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Allow it to preheat for a few minutes until it is hot but not smoking.
Add cooking oil: Add a small amount of cooking oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil or canola oil, to the preheated pan. Swirl the oil to coat the bottom of the pan evenly.
Place the fillets in the pan: Carefully lay the seasoned flathead fillets in the hot pan, skin side down if the skin is still on. If the skin has been removed, it doesn't matter which side you place down first.
Cook the fillets: Cook the flathead fillets for 3 to 4 minutes on the first side, without moving them, until the bottom is nicely browned and crispy. Flip the fillets using a spatula and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes on the other side until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness of the fillets.
Optional: Add butter or lemon juice: If desired, you can add a pat of butter to the pan during the last minute of cooking to enhance the flavor of the fillets. Alternatively, squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the cooked fillets for a citrusy touch.
Serve the fillets: Once the flathead fillets are cooked to your liking, transfer them to a serving plate or individual plates. They are now ready to be enjoyed as a delicious main course.
Remember to adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the fillets, as thinner fillets may require less time to cook. Additionally, cooking times may vary depending on your stovetop's heat intensity, so keep an eye on the fillets and adjust the heat if needed to prevent burning.