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What it is
Lemon sole is a soft, delicate flatfish with mild sweet flesh and a fine flake. We prepare it to order at the counter, whole for grilling or filleted and skinned for the pan. Priced by weight, filleted, skinned and pin-boned by hand at no charge.
Why choose it
Lemon sole is the quick, gentle flatfish and a softer, milder alternative to Dover sole that usually costs less. It cooks in a minute or two, its flavour is delicate and sweet, and it asks for little more than butter, lemon and a hot pan.
How it tastes
Sweet, mild and delicate, with a soft fine flake that is more tender than Dover sole and quicker to cook. The flesh is light and gentle and does not hold its shape as firmly as sole or turbot, so it suits fast cooking and a light hand. Butter and lemon carry it well.
How to cook it
Pan-fry fillets in butter for a minute or two a side, grill a whole fish with butter and lemon, crumb the fillets as goujons, or bake at 190C. It cooks very quickly, so keep it moving.
What goes with it
Brown butter, lemon, capers and parsley. New potatoes, peas and samphire. A light crumb, or a squeeze of lemon and nothing more.
How long it takes
Fillets pan-fry in 1 to 2 minutes a side, a whole fish grills in 6 to 8 minutes, and it bakes in 8 to 10 minutes. Lemon sole cooks fast, so watch it. Times vary with size.
Nutrition
Lemon sole is high in protein and very lean, with little fat. A typical portion carries around 17 to 18 grams of protein. It is a good source of B vitamins and a light, easily digested fish.
Sustainability
Ask at the counter for the day's sourcing. We can advise on responsibly sourced lemon sole and on size and season, and suggest an alternative like plaice or dab if you want one.
Where to buy it
At the counter at 18 Barnes High Street, cut to order, or delivered across south west London and shipped across the UK.
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Common questions
What is the difference between lemon sole and Dover sole?
Lemon sole is softer, milder and more delicate, and usually costs less. Dover sole is firmer, sweeter and denser and holds its shape on the bone. Both are flatfish that suit butter and lemon.
How do I pan-fry lemon sole?
Dust skinned fillets in seasoned flour, fry them in foaming butter for a minute or two a side, then finish with lemon and parsley. It cooks very quickly.
Why does my lemon sole fall apart?
Lemon sole has a soft delicate flake, so cook it quickly, turn it only once and lift it with a wide spatula. A whole fish holds together better than thin fillets.
Should I cook lemon sole whole or filleted?
Whole keeps it moist and is easy to lift at the table, and filleted is quick and good for a fast pan-fry or goujons. We prepare it either way at the counter.
Can I freeze lemon sole?
Yes, though it is a fish worth eating fresh. Wrap it tightly, freeze it quickly and defrost in the fridge overnight.
Is lemon sole high in protein?
Yes. A typical portion carries around 17 to 18 grams of protein and very little fat, which makes it a lean, gentle choice.
Common questions
What is the difference between lemon sole and Dover sole?
Lemon sole is softer, milder and more delicate, and usually costs less. Dover sole is firmer, sweeter and denser and holds its shape on the bone. Both are flatfish that suit butter and lemon.
How do I pan-fry lemon sole?
Dust skinned fillets in seasoned flour, fry them in foaming butter for a minute or two a side, then finish with lemon and parsley. It cooks very quickly.
Why does my lemon sole fall apart?
Lemon sole has a soft delicate flake, so cook it quickly, turn it only once and lift it with a wide spatula. A whole fish holds together better than thin fillets.
Should I cook lemon sole whole or filleted?
Whole keeps it moist and is easy to lift at the table, and filleted is quick and good for a fast pan-fry or goujons. We prepare it either way at the counter.
Can I freeze lemon sole?
Yes, though it is a fish worth eating fresh. Wrap it tightly, freeze it quickly and defrost in the fridge overnight.
Is lemon sole high in protein?
Yes. A typical portion carries around 17 to 18 grams of protein and very little fat, which makes it a lean, gentle choice.
