Pan-Fried Dover Sole with Lemon Butter Sauce

Pan-Fried Dover Sole with Lemon Butter Sauce

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Our Dover Sole with Lemon Butter Sauce recipe is a true classic, offering a simple yet elegant way to enjoy this delicate fish. Dover sole is prized for its tender, flaky texture and mild flavour, making it a favourite among seafood lovers. In this recipe, we enhance its natural taste with a rich, buttery lemon sauce that adds a perfect balance of tang and richness. Whether you're cooking for a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home, this dish is sure to impress with its refined flavours and ease of preparation.

Ingredients:

For the Dover Sole:

  • 2 Dover sole fillets (about 150-200g each)
  • 2 tbsp plain flour (for dusting)
  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
  • Lemon wedges (for serving)

For the Lemon Butter Sauce:

  • 50g unsalted butter
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 tbsp capers (optional, for added flavour)
  • Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Fish:

    • Pat the Dover sole fillets dry with kitchen paper.
    • Lightly dust each fillet with plain flour, shaking off any excess.
    • Season the fillets with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides.
  2. Cook the Fish:

    • Heat a large frying pan over medium-high heat.
    • Add the olive oil and 2 tbsp of butter to the pan. Allow the butter to melt and become slightly frothy.
    • Carefully place the Dover sole fillets in the pan, skin side down. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
    • Once cooked, remove the fillets from the pan and set them aside on a warm plate.
  3. Prepare the Lemon Butter Sauce:

    • In the same pan, add the remaining 50g of butter and let it melt over medium heat.
    • Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, and capers (if using). Stir well to combine.
    • Allow the sauce to cook for 1-2 minutes, until it slightly thickens. Season with freshly ground black pepper.
  4. Serve:

    • Place the cooked Dover sole fillets on serving plates.
    • Spoon the lemon butter sauce over the fillets.
    • Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Suggested Serving:

Pair the Dover sole with steamed new potatoes, sautéed spinach, or a light green salad for a delightful, light meal.

Enjoy your pan-fried Dover sole with a refreshing white wine, such as a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a lightly oaked Chardonnay.

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