Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsSpringfield DinerCrabmeat Imperial & Stuffed Flounder Florentine Recipe

Crabmeat Imperial & Stuffed Flounder Florentine Recipe

Inspired by Springfield Diner
Time50m
Serves4

Make Crabmeat Imperial & Stuffed Flounder Florentine Recipe in just 50m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Crabmeat Imperial Filling

Method

Crabmeat Imperial Filling

  1. 1

    Sauté aromatics

    In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons butter. Add the minced onion, diced green pepper and diced celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the 2 minced garlic cloves and cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant; do not brown.

  2. 2

    Combine filling

    Transfer the sautéed aromatics to a bowl and let cool 5 minutes. Gently fold in the 12 oz lump crabmeat, 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon Old Bay, 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning. If the filling seems too loose to hold its shape when stuffing, fold in up to 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs. Keep chilled while preparing the fish.

Spinach Florentine

  1. 3

    Wilt spinach

    Heat 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 minced garlic clove and cook 30 seconds. Add 6 cups chopped fresh spinach in batches, tossing until wilted. As spinach wilts, transfer to a colander to drain excess liquid; press gently with the back of a spoon to remove more moisture.

  2. 4

    Make creamed spinach

    Return the skillet to medium-low heat, add the drained spinach back to the pan, pour in 1/2 cup heavy cream, 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan and 1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg. Stir to combine and heat through until creamy but not boiling, 1–2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm.

Assembling and Cooking Flounder

  1. 5

    Prepare fish

    Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat 4 flounder fillets dry with paper towels. Lightly brush both sides with 2 tablespoons olive oil and season with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.

  2. 6

    Stuff fillets

    Lay a flounder fillet on a work surface. Spoon approximately 1/4 of the chilled crabmeat imperial (about 3 oz by volume) down the center of each fillet. Fold or roll the fillet over the filling where possible; if fillets are too small to roll, place the filled fillet seam-side down on a baking dish. Repeat for all fillets. If desired, sprinkle a light dusting (about 1 teaspoon total) of panko on top to help with browning.

  3. 7

    Bake

    Arrange the stuffed flounder in a single layer in a lightly oiled baking dish. Bake in the preheated 400°F oven until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork and the filling is heated through, about 12–15 minutes depending on fillet thickness. If you want a lightly browned top, switch to broil for 1–2 minutes watching closely.

  4. 8

    Plate with Florentine

    Spoon a generous portion of the creamed spinach Florentine onto each serving plate. Place a stuffed flounder on top of each spinach bed. Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon paprika across the tops for color and garnish with chopped chives or parsley and an optional drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil. Serve with lemon wedges on the side.

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