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There's something wonderfully comforting about a simple fish dish. This steamed lemon sole recipe is a perfect example – it's light, healthy, and incredibly flavorful. The delicate lemon sole, infused with bright citrus notes and a rich parsley butter sauce, is a delightful meal that's both easy to prepare and impressive enough for a special occasion. It reminds me of summers by the sea, eating fresh catches straight from the boat. Oh how I miss those days! It can be prepared without making a mess.
This recipe isn't just about the taste; it's about the experience. The gentle steaming method ensures the fish remains moist and tender, while the lemon and parsley create a vibrant, aromatic profile that awakens the senses. And let's be honest, who can resist a luscious butter sauce? One of my friends once told me she hated fish… until she tried this recipe! It totally changed her mind. I really hope it can change yours, too.
Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, this steamed lemon sole recipe is incredibly approachable. With just a few simple steps and readily available ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your own home. Think about serving it alongside some steamed asparagus or a light salad for a complete and satisfying meal. What does this mean for you? It means you can enjoy a delicious, healthy meal without spending hours in the kitchen! And who doesn't love that?
Required Equipments
Steamer Basket
Large Pot with Lid
Small Saucepan
Lemon Zester
Sharp Knife
Serving Platter
Steamed Lemon Sole with Parsley and Butter: Frequently Asked Questions
Steamed Lemon Sole with Parsley and Butter
Enjoy delicate and flavorful Steamed Lemon Sole with Parsley and Butter. This simple recipe delivers a light, healthy, and elegant dish perfect for any occasion.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield:4 servings
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 7 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
Prepare the Lemon: Begin by zesting one lemon using a lemon zester. Then, cut the zested lemon in half and slice one half into thin rounds. Set the zest and lemon slices aside.
Prepare the Parsley: Rinse a small bunch of fresh parsley under cold water. Pat it dry with a paper towel, then finely chop it. Set the chopped parsley aside for garnish.
Set Up the Steamer: Fill a large pot with about 1 inch of water. Place a steamer basket inside the pot, ensuring the water level is below the bottom of the basket. Bring the water to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
Prepare the Fish: Pat the lemon sole fillets dry with paper towels. This helps remove excess moisture, allowing the fish to steam evenly and develop a better texture. Season the fillets lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Arrange Lemon Slices: Place the lemon slices in a single layer at the bottom of the steamer basket. This will infuse the fish with a delicate lemon flavor as it steams.
Steam the Fish: Lay the lemon sole fillets on top of the lemon slices in the steamer basket. Cover the pot with a lid and steam the fish for 5-7 minutes, or until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The exact steaming time will depend on the thickness of the fillets, so keep a close eye on them.
Prepare the Butter Sauce: While the fish is steaming, prepare the parsley butter sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Be careful not to brown the butter; you want it to melt gently.
Add Lemon Zest and Parsley: Once the butter is melted, stir in the lemon zest and half of the chopped parsley. Simmer for about 1 minute to allow the flavors to meld together.
Check for Doneness: After steaming for 5 minutes, check the fish for doneness. If it's not quite ready, continue steaming for another 1-2 minutes until it's fully cooked.
Plate the Fish: Carefully remove the steamed lemon sole fillets from the steamer basket and place them on a serving platter. Be gentle, as the fish will be delicate and can easily break apart.
Pour the Sauce: Spoon the parsley butter sauce generously over the steamed lemon sole fillets. Make sure each fillet is nicely coated with the flavorful sauce.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the remaining chopped parsley over the fish as a garnish. Serve the steamed lemon sole immediately, while it's hot and the sauce is still melted and flavorful.