4 Cooking Methods for Tasty Plaice Dishes

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Try grilling, baking, or pan-frying this British seafood classic
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Plaice is a type of British flatfish which has bright orange spots, and is native to United Kingdom waters. Plaice is available all year round, and can be bought fresh or frozen, and filleted or whole. There are many ways to enjoy this high protein fish, including pan-frying, baking, crumbing, and grilling whole. Read on to learn a variety of cooking techniques for this fish, so you can enjoy it from the comfort of your own home.

Ingredients

Pan-Fried Plaice Fillets

  • 2 plaice fillets (approximately 150 g each)
  • 2 tbsp (30 g) of butter
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Baked Plaice Fillets

  • 4 plaice fillets (approximately 150 g each)
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 handful of chopped parsley
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) of flaked almonds
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) of olive oil

Crumbed Plaice

  • 2 plaice fillets (approximately 150 g each)
  • 1 egg
  • 2/3 cup (150 ml) of milk
  • 1/3 cup (50 g) of flour
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • 1 cup (125 g) of breadcrumbs
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) of olive oil

Grilled Plaice (Whole)

  • 1 plaice (at least 2 lb 4 oz/1 kg), gutted
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • 2 tbsp (30 ml) of olive oil
Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Pan-Fried Plaice Fillets

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Plaice
    Use a high heat, and you will know that the pan is ready to use once the butter is foaming. A non-stick pan is best and will save you time cleaning.
    • You can substitute oil in the place of butter if preferred. Olive oil goes well with plaice, and 2 tbsp (30 ml) is a good amount to cover the pan and fry to perfection. [1]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Plaice
    Lay each plaice fillet flat in the frying pan. Fry for 2 minutes and then carefully flip each fillet over, and cook for another 2 minutes, or until cooked through. [2]
    • Most frozen plaice will be sold skinless, but if you buy it fresh with the skin, start with frying the skin side down first. [3]
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  3. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Plaice
    You will be able to tell that the fillets are cooked through when they are opaque and flake easily. Place the fillets on plates to serve. [4]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Plaice
    Plaice is a light, fresh fish that goes well with simple dressings. You can squeeze lemon juice, with salt and pepper to taste across the fillets for a simple seasoning.
    • Lemon parsley butter also accompanies pan-fried plaice nicely. Combine 2 tbsp (25 g) of butter, the juice of ½ lemon, and a handful of chopped, flat-leaf parsley in a pan until hot. Drizzle over the pan-fried fillets for an easy dish. This is enough for 2 fillets. [5]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Baked Plaice Fillets

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  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d8\/Cook-Plaice-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Cook-Plaice-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d8\/Cook-Plaice-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Cook-Plaice-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":485,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Make sure that the oven is completely heated before baking the plaice fillets. This will ensure that they cook correctly. [6]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Plaice
    A medium sized gratin dish works best for 4 fillets. Make sure that there is enough room for each, and that they are not overlapping at any point. [7]
    • Use a light coating of oil or butter to cover the dish. Baking paper also works well and reduces the mess to clean up afterward.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Plaice
    Combine the lemon juice, chopped parsley, flaked almonds, and olive oil to make a salsa-type dressing. [8]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Plaice
    The time depends on the size of the fillets, and how cold the ingredients are to begin with. When the fish is cooked through, remove from the oven and leave resting for 1 minute, before transferring onto a serving plate. [9]
    • You can tell that the fillets are cooked through when you make an incision in the middle of the fish, it looks opaque, rather than translucent like when it’s raw. Cooked fish will also easily break into flakes when it’s done. [10]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Crumbed Plaice

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  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/70\/Cook-Plaice-Step-9-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Cook-Plaice-Step-9-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/70\/Cook-Plaice-Step-9-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Cook-Plaice-Step-9-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":259,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":410,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Beat together the egg and milk in one bowl to make an egg wash. Then mix together the flour with salt and pepper to taste in a separate bowl. Put the breadcrumbs out on another plate. [11]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Plaice
    Dip each plaice fillet into the flour mixture, and shake off any excess. Then dip each fillet into the egg wash. Finally, place the fillets into the breadcrumbs and coat fully. [12]
    • Coating the plaice fillets in the breadcrumb coating can be done ahead of time if necessary, and then refrigerated. [13]
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Plaice
    Heat up a frying pan over a medium heat with the olive oil. Place the fillets in the frying pan, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Flip the fillets after 2 minutes, and fry the other side for an additional 2 minutes or until coloured lightly on both sides. [14]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Plaice
    You will be able to tell that the plaice are cooked through when the flesh has changed from translucent to opaque. The breadcrumb coating will become golden. [15]
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Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Grilled Plaice (Whole)

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Plaice
    Use cool running water to gently rinse off the plaice, which removes any sand or grit if it's freshly caught. Make sure to wash your hands well before and after to avoid spreading bacteria around your kitchen. [16]
    • To dry the plaice after rinsing, pat it dry with a paper towel. This also helps to keep the fish from getting tough or mushy when you cook it. [17]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Plaice
    Use a pair of kitchen scissors to snip off the plaice fins. You can leave the tail on to create an impressive appearance for your dish. [18]
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Plaice
    Make a long slash down the spine, and then 6 diagonal slashes stemming from it, with 3 each side. This makes the fish crispy. [19]
    • Make the slashes on the top side of the fish, which for flatfish such as plaice, is the side that it’s eyes are on.
    • The incisions should be deep, but not go entirely through the fish. About 1 centimeter (0.4 in) deep works well. [20]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Plaice
    Brush the olive oil generously over the whole fish. Then season to taste with salt, pepper, and lemon juice. [21]
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Plaice
    Place the plaice in an ovenproof dish, and grill using a medium heat. A larger fish may take a few minutes longer. [22]
    • You don’t need to turn the fish during the grilling process, as it will cook evenly through. [23]
    • Grilling with a medium heat works best for fish. This is because a heat too low won’t adequately cook the fish, but a heat too high will cause some parts to dry out and others to not cook fast enough. [24]
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Plaice
    Use a fish knife and fork to pull away the two top fillets from the skeleton. Then you can simply remove the skeleton by gently easing it out like a zipper. This will leave the two bottom fillets in the dish, also ready to serve. [25]
    • You will be able to tell when the plaice is done because the flesh will be opaque and come easily away from the bone. [26]
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      Tips

      • Thaw frozen plaice fillets in the refrigerator before cooking. This will give the best results and will ensure that the fish is properly cooked.
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      Warnings

      • Always keep plaice in the refrigerator until you begin to prepare it. This prevents the fish from spoiling and reduces the chance of food poisoning.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.deliciousmagazine.co.uk/recipes/quick-plaice-with-lemon-parsley-butter-and-crushed-potatoes/
      2. ↑ https://www.deliciousmagazine.co.uk/recipes/quick-plaice-with-lemon-parsley-butter-and-crushed-potatoes/
      3. ↑ https://www.deliciousmagazine.co.uk/recipes/quick-plaice-with-lemon-parsley-butter-and-crushed-potatoes/
      4. ↑ https://www.deliciousmagazine.co.uk/recipes/quick-plaice-with-lemon-parsley-butter-and-crushed-potatoes/
      5. ↑ https://www.deliciousmagazine.co.uk/recipes/quick-plaice-with-lemon-parsley-butter-and-crushed-potatoes/
      6. ↑ https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/food-and-drink/recipes/plaice-parcels-1.1363285
      7. ↑ https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/food-and-drink/recipes/plaice-parcels-1.1363285
      8. ↑ https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/food-and-drink/recipes/plaice-parcels-1.1363285
      9. ↑ https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/food-and-drink/recipes/plaice-parcels-1.1363285
      1. ↑ https://www.lifehacker.com.au/2015/07/the-easiest-way-to-tell-if-your-fish-is-properly-cooked/
      2. ↑ https://www.greatbritishchefs.com/recipes/plaice-recipe-homemade-tartare-sauce
      3. ↑ https://www.greatbritishchefs.com/recipes/plaice-recipe-homemade-tartare-sauce
      4. ↑ https://www.greatbritishchefs.com/recipes/plaice-recipe-homemade-tartare-sauce
      5. ↑ https://www.greatbritishchefs.com/recipes/crumbed-plaice-recipe-green-mash
      6. ↑ https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/solthinking/whole-fish-a-whole-new-way-to-cook-10331120.html
      7. ↑ https://www.mashed.com/56240/foods-you-should-shouldnt-be-washing/
      8. ↑ https://www.purewow.com/food/fish-cooking-mistakes
      9. ↑ https://www.bbc.com/food/techniques/filleting_flatfish
      10. ↑ https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/solthinking/whole-fish-a-whole-new-way-to-cook-10331120.html
      11. ↑ https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/fried-whole-fish-with-tomatillo-sauce
      12. ↑ https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/solthinking/whole-fish-a-whole-new-way-to-cook-10331120.html
      13. ↑ https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/solthinking/whole-fish-a-whole-new-way-to-cook-10331120.html
      14. ↑ https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/solthinking/whole-fish-a-whole-new-way-to-cook-10331120.html
      15. ↑ https://www.recipetips.com/knowledge.asp?content=t--1231/fish-cooking-guide.asp
      16. ↑ https://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2012/09/river-cottages-whole-plaice-with-cherry-tomat.html
      17. ↑ https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/solthinking/whole-fish-a-whole-new-way-to-cook-10331120.html

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To make pan-fried plaice fillets, start by heating some butter in a frying pan on high heat until it bubbles. When the butter is foaming, put your fillets in the pan and let them fry for 2 minutes on one side, then flip them over and let them fry on the other side for another 2 minutes. Take the fillets out of the pan once they’re opaque and easy to flake with a fork, then season them to taste with lemon juice, salt, pepper, or another seasoning of your choice. Scroll down to learn how to bake plaice, cook it with a breadcrumb coating, or grill it whole!

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      Reader Success Stories

      • Liz H.

        Nov 21, 2021

        "Very accurate recipe and delicious meal. Without this I would have over-cooked the plaice."
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