GARLIC BUTTER LEMON SOLE

GARLIC BUTTER LEMON SOLE

Garlic Butter Lemon Sole is a delicate and flavourful dish that highlights the natural sweetness of the fish while enhancing it with a buttery, garlicky sauce and a touch of lemon. Sole is a light, flaky white fish that absorbs flavours beautifully, making it an excellent choice for a quick, elegant meal. The rich butter complements the mild fish, while the garlic adds depth, and the lemon juice provides the perfect balance of acidity. This dish is simple to prepare, requiring minimal ingredients and just a few minutes of cooking. Whether you serve it with steamed vegetables, over a bed of rice, or alongside roasted potatoes, this lemon sole recipe is a fantastic option for a refined yet effortless dinner. Perfect for weeknights or special occasions, this meal is both nutritious and packed with flavour.

RECIPE CATEGORY

Entrée, Lunch, Dinner

SERVING SIZE

1

CUISINE

Mediterranean, French

PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES

Pan-Fry, Sauté

OCCASION/HOLIDAY

Dinner Party, Date Night, Family Dinner, Anniversary, Valentine’s Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, Spring, Summer

SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS

Healthy, Low Carb, Quick & Easy, High Protein, Low Sodium, Gluten-Free

DISH TYPE

Seafood Dish

INGREDIENTS

These are the ingredients for Garlic Butter Lemon Sole:

• 100g sole fillet

• 1 tsp butter

• ½ garlic clove, minced

• ½ tsp lemon juice

• Salt and pepper, to taste

FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION

• Calories: 120 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 1g

• Protein: 18g

• Fat: 5g

• Saturated Fat: 3g

• Sodium: 180mg

• Fibre: 0g

• Sugar: 0g

PREPARATION

• Prepare The Sole: Pat the sole fillet dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Lightly season both sides with salt and pepper.

• Heat The Pan: Place a non-stick or stainless steel pan over medium heat and add half of the butter. Let it melt and sizzle slightly.

• Sear The Fish: Carefully place the sole fillet in the pan. Cook for about 2 minutes on one side until golden brown.

• Flip And Add Garlic: Gently turn the fish over and add the minced garlic to the pan. Let the fish cook for another 2 minutes while the garlic infuses the butter.

• Add Lemon Juice: Remove the pan from heat and immediately drizzle the fish with lemon juice. Swirl the pan to coat the fillet in the buttery sauce.

• Serve Immediately: Transfer the fish to a plate, spoon any remaining garlic butter over the top, and enjoy hot with your favourite side dish.

PREP TIME

5 minutes

COOKING TIME

4 minutes

TIPS

• Use Fresh Sole: Fresh sole fillets have the best texture and flavour. If using frozen, thaw completely before cooking.

• Pat Dry For Crispness: Drying the fish before cooking helps create a golden, slightly crispy surface.

• Control The Heat: Cook over medium heat to avoid burning the garlic or butter.

• Be Gentle When Flipping: The Sole is delicate, so use a thin spatula to turn the fillet carefully.

• Adjust Seasoning To Taste: Add a pinch of paprika or fresh herbs like parsley for extra flavour.

• Serve Immediately: Fish tastes best when fresh and can become rubbery if reheated.

VARIATIONS

• Spicy Garlic Butter Sole: Add ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a spicy touch.

• Herb-Infused Sole: Garnish with fresh thyme, parsley, or dill for an aromatic twist.

• Wine-Glazed Sole: Deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine for extra depth.

• Creamy Lemon Sole: Stir in a tablespoon of heavy cream after cooking for a richer sauce.

• Olive Oil Alternative: Use olive oil instead of butter for a lighter, dairy-free option.

• Crispy Sole: Lightly coat the fillet in flour before cooking for a crispier texture.

PREPPING AND STORAGE

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

• Reheating: Warm gently in a pan over low heat with a bit of butter to prevent drying out.

• Freezing: Not recommended, as the texture of the fish may change after thawing.

• Meal Prep Tip: Pre-mince the garlic and prepare the lemon juice ahead of time to speed up cooking.