Steamed lemon sole with parsley and butter sauce served on a white plate

Fish

steamed lemon sole with parsley and butter

By:

Savory Touch

Published:

07 Aug 2025
Steamed lemon sole with parsley and butter sauce served on a white plate
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.
close up of steaming lemon sole fillets in a steamer basket
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.
person pouring parsley butter sauce over steamed lemon sole
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?
Steamed lemon sole served with asparagus and a lemon wedge

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. 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.
  12. 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.

📝 Notes

    🍎 Nutrition

    Calories: 250 kcal

    Protein: 20g

    Fat: 18g

    Carbohydrates: 3g

    Fiber: 1g

    Calcium: 50mg

    The simple things are often the truest, like good fish, fresh parsley, and melted butter. – Eleanor Reynolds

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