Lemon sole is a delicious, mild white fish that can be prepared in a variety of ways. With just a few simple steps, you can make a tasty lemon sole meal at home. In this article, I will instruct you how to cook lemon sole fillets in 3 different ways.
1. How To Cook Lemon Sole in Oven
Ingredients
- 4 skinless lemon sole fillets
- Juice of 1 lime or lemon
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 3 tbsp ghee or unsalted melted butter (add up to 1/2 cup for extra richness)
- 2 shallots, thinly sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp capers
- 1 tsp seasoned salt (or to taste)
- 3/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 4–6 green onions, trimmed and halved lengthwise
- 1 lime or lemon, sliced (optional, for presentation)
- 3/4 cup roughly chopped fresh dill (for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish with olive oil or butter.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, melted butter (or ghee), lime/lemon juice, seasoned salt, black pepper, cumin, and garlic powder.
Place the lemon sole fillets in the prepared baking dish in a single layer. Scatter the thinly sliced shallots, garlic, and capers over the fillets. Arrange the halved green onions and optional lime/lemon slices around the fish.
Pour the prepared marinade evenly over the fish and vegetables, ensuring everything is well coated.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. For a golden finish, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle generously with fresh dill. For an extra burst of flavor, squeeze fresh lime or lemon over the fish just before serving.
Serve warm, straight from the dish, with a side of steamed rice, roasted potatoes, or a crisp green salad.
2. How To Cook Lemon Sole in Pan
Ingredients
- 4 (4-ounce) skinless lemon sole fillets
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup of flour, for dredging
- 5 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into tablespoon-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons water
- 1 teaspoon minced flat-leaf parsley
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme
Instructions
Pat the fillets dry with paper towels, then season both sides lightly with kosher salt and black pepper.
Place a small amount of flour on a shallow plate. Lightly dredge each fillet in the flour, shaking off any excess.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt 2 tablespoons of the butter. Once the butter is hot and bubbly, carefully add the fillets in a single layer.
Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and just cooked through. Transfer the fillets to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to low. Add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter, lemon juice, and water. Stir until the butter is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Stir in the minced parsley and thyme for added freshness.
Place the cooked fillets on plates and drizzle the warm lemon butter sauce over them. Garnish with extra parsley or thyme if desired. Serve alongside steamed vegetables or a light salad for a complete meal.
3. How To Cook Lemon Sole in Air fryer
Ingredients
- 1 lb lemon sole fillets (2 fillets)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/4 tsp pepper, or to taste
- Lemon slices (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3–5 minutes.
Pat the lemon sole fillets dry with paper towels. Lightly brush both sides with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper on both sides.
Place the fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure there’s enough space for air to circulate.
Air fry for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the fish is opaque, flaky, and cooked through. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets.
Transfer the cooked fillets to a serving plate. Garnish with optional lemon slices or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for added zest. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or steamed rice for a complete meal.
Lemon sole is such a versatile fish to prepare for dinner. I hope that after reading this article, you knew how to cook lemon sole fillets perfectly at home.