How To Clean - Fillet Flounder

This page provides step by step instructions for cleaning flounder for the table. This method produces boneless fillets of excellent quality. The fish pictured are summer flounder (fluke). These cleaning techniques also work for cleaning other species of flatfish including southern flounder, winter flounder (blackbacks), yellowtail flounder, and halibut.

Step 1. Scale the fish thoroughly. Rinse frequently to aid the scaling process.

Cut down the center of the fish, across just behind the stomach and just behind the head.

Step 2. Cut from the center outward along the ribs, working from the spine out toward the fins.

Step 3. Peel the fillet up as you cut it free.

Step 4. Cut the fillet free from the outer edges of the carcass.

Repeat the process on the lower section and of the back and both halves of the underside.

Rinse each fillet and chill immediately.

Cleaning other species of fish

Seafood Recipes

Fishing for Flounder