There’s something incredibly uplifting about a light, lemony meal on a warm evening, isn’t there? The vibrant zest of citrus mingling with fresh herbs instantly transports me to lazy days by the beach, where the salty air and vibrant colors soothe the soul. That’s the magic behind my 20-Minute Lemon Pepper Sole with Citrus Herb Sauce—a quick and delicious dinner option to elevate any night of the week.
This delightful dish features wild-caught lemon pepper sole cooked to crispy perfection, paired beautifully with a refreshing citrus herb sauce that bursts with flavor. Imagine serving it alongside a colorful tomato salad, drizzled with a creamy dollop of Greek yogurt for added richness. It’s an easy weeknight recipe that impresses without the fuss, perfect for those evenings when you want something special, yet quick.
With just 20 minutes of prep, you can bring restaurant-quality dining right to your table—no more settling for fast food. Dive into this culinary adventure that doesn’t skimp on taste while being kind to your health with its high-protein goodness!
Why Is Lemon Pepper Sole with Citrus Herb Sauce Amazing?
Quick and Easy: This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, taking just 20 minutes from kitchen to table, giving you more time to unwind.
Vibrant Flavors: The zesty citrus herb sauce elevates the dish, adding a bright burst that complements the tender sole beautifully.
Nutritious Choice: With around 14 grams of protein per serving, it’s a fulfilling meal that keeps you energized and satisfied.
Customizable: Feel free to swap out ingredients, like adding different fish or herbs, to tailor it to your taste preferences.
Crowd-Pleaser: Impress your family or guests with a restaurant-quality experience, making it the ideal dish for gatherings.
Pair it with rice or bread for a complete meal and experience the invigorating flavors that transform your dinner routine!
Lemon Pepper Sole with Citrus Herb Sauce Ingredients
• Here’s everything you need to create this delightful dish!
For the Sole
- High Liner® Pan-Sear Selects® Lemon Pepper Sole fillets – Your main protein source, flavorsome and flakey; substitute with a similar white fish if not available.
- Olive Oil – Necessary for the herb sauce; light oils can be used if preferred.
For the Citrus Herb Sauce
- Greek Yogurt – Adds a creamy touch and serves as a smooth base; you can use plain yogurt or opt for a dairy-free version if needed.
- Orange – Introduces sweetness and acidity to the sauce; substitute with more lemon juice if you prefer.
- Lemon – For that essential burst of freshness; bottled lemon juice works in a pinch if fresh isn’t on hand.
- Cilantro – Bright and vibrant in flavor; parsley or basil make great alternatives if you’re not a fan.
- Flat Leaf Parsley – Another fresh herb addition; can be swapped with cilantro or omitted entirely.
- Shallot – Brings a milder onion flavor; if unavailable, onion can be used instead.
- Garlic – Provides essential aromatic depth; use garlic powder as a substitute if required.
- Chili Pepper Flakes – Adds a subtle kick; adjust according to your spice tolerance.
- Mexican Chili Powder – Amplifies flavor complexity; paprika can replace it for a milder profile.
For the Tomato Salad
- Cherry Tomatoes – Fresh, bursting with flavor; grape tomatoes are a suitable substitute if desired.
- Red Onions – Delivers a sharp crunch; swap with green onions for a gentler taste.
How to Make Lemon Pepper Sole with Citrus Herb Sauce
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Cook Sole: Prepare the High Liner® sole according to package directions, either by skillet or oven, until golden brown and flaking easily. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
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Make Citrus Herb Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the juice and zest of lemon and orange, along with cilantro, parsley, shallot, garlic, chili powder, and red pepper flakes. Stir in olive oil and season to taste with salt and pepper for a zesty kick.
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Prepare Tomato Salad: In a separate bowl, gently mix together cherry tomatoes and red onions with 1 tablespoon of the citrus herb sauce. This should brighten the tomatoes and enhance their sweetness!
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Serve: On a plate, place a dollop of Greek yogurt, stack the cooked sole on top, and generously garnish with the tomato salad. Drizzle the remaining citrus herb sauce over everything for that extra flavor punch.
Optional: Serve with rice or orzo for a complete meal that’ll impress your family!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Lemon Pepper Sole Variations
There’s no better way to make a recipe your own than by adding your personal touch—let your creativity shine!
- Protein Swap: Change the sole for cod or tilapia to explore different flavors and textures that enhance the dish beautifully.
- Herb Twist: Experiment with dill or mint in the citrus herb sauce for a refreshing variation that adds a delightful new layer to the flavor profile.
- Creamy Addition: Toss in some avocado slices for a rich, creamy twist that complements the fish perfectly. The added texture will surely elevate your dining experience!
- Spicy Kick: For those who love heat, incorporate fresh jalapeño slices into the tomato salad for a refreshing and zesty crunch that turns up the heat!
- Citrus Variability: Use grapefruit or lime juice instead of orange for an unexpected zesty twist that brightens the whole dish in a new way.
- Pasta Option: Serve the sole over a bed of orzo or linguine tossed in the citrus herb sauce. This will create a satisfying meal that feels both hearty and light!
- Vegetable Medley: Add in some sautéed spinach or zucchini alongside your tomato salad for an extra punch of nutrition and a lovely pop of color on your plate.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds over the top just before serving for a delightful crunch that enhances every bite.
Expert Tips for Lemon Pepper Sole
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Use a Food Processor: For a smoother and well-blended citrus herb sauce, consider using a mini food processor, adding olive oil last for best results.
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Check Fish Readiness: Ensure the lemon pepper sole is fully cooked; it should flake easily with a fork, providing a tender texture and delicious flavor.
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Hands-Off Baking: If you prefer a simpler approach, bake the sole at 400°F for about 20 minutes until beautifully cooked and golden brown.
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Adjusting Spice Levels: If you’re sensitive to heat, reduce or omit the chili pepper flakes to maintain the dish’s freshness without overwhelming spiciness.
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Ingredient Swaps: Don’t hesitate to swap fish or herbs to suit your tastes—experimenting can lead to delightful new variations of this lemon pepper sole with citrus herb sauce!
Make Ahead Options
Busy home cooks will love how easy it is to prepare Lemon Pepper Sole with Citrus Herb Sauce ahead of time! You can make the citrus herb sauce and refrigerate it for up to 3 days, ensuring the vibrant flavors meld beautifully. Simply combine the citrus juices, herbs, and spices in advance, then store it in an airtight container. The tomatoes can also be chopped and mixed with the onions up to 24 hours ahead to enhance their sweetness. When you’re ready to serve, cook your sole according to the package directions and drizzle the freshly prepared sauce over it for delightful, restaurant-quality results with minimal effort!
What to Serve with Lemon Pepper Sole with Citrus Herb Sauce?
The perfect side can elevate your meal from good to unforgettable, making every bite a celebration of fresh flavors.
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Light Orzo Salad: This refreshing salad brings a delightful chew and absorbs the vibrant citrus notes beautifully, complementing the sole.
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Garlic Roasted Asparagus: Tender, roasted asparagus adds a satisfying crunch and earthy flavor, balanced by the dish’s zesty profile. A perfect pairing for enjoying with fresh lemony meals!
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Coconut Rice: Creamy coconut-infused rice introduces a subtly sweet and aromatic element, making each mouthful a tropical delight alongside your sole.
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Quinoa Pilaf: Nutty and protein-packed, quinoa pilaf with herbs brings a hearty texture that pairs well with the delicate sole and bright citrus herb sauce.
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Zesty Coleslaw: A crunchy and tangy coleslaw brings a vibrant, crunchy contrast that enhances the flavors of the lemon pepper sole, providing that extra zing!
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Chilled White Wine: A glass of crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs wonderfully, enhancing the citrusy notes while keeping your palate refreshed.
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Lemon Sorbet: For dessert, a light lemon sorbet cleanses the palate with its sweet-tart flavors, echoing the citrus theme of the meal in a refreshing finish.
How to Store and Freeze Lemon Pepper Sole with Citrus Herb Sauce
Fridge: Store any leftover lemon pepper sole in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This allows you to enjoy the meal again while keeping it fresh.
Freezer: If you want to keep the sole longer, wrap individual portions tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. To preserve optimal taste and texture, avoid freezing the citrus herb sauce.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat the sole in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. You can also briefly pan-sear it for a crispy finish.
Make-Ahead: The citrus herb sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before serving for the best flavor!
Lemon Pepper Sole with Citrus Herb Sauce Recipe FAQs
How do I select ripe ingredients for the Lemon Pepper Sole with Citrus Herb Sauce?
Absolutely! Look for fresh cherry or grape tomatoes that are bright in color and firm to the touch, ready to burst with flavor. When it comes to citrus, choose lemons and oranges that feel heavy for their size, as this indicates juiciness, and have smooth skin without any dark spots.
How should I store leftover Lemon Pepper Sole with Citrus Herb Sauce?
For sure! Place any leftover lemon pepper sole in an airtight container, and you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to separate the citrus herb sauce if you have leftover sauce, as it keeps well in the fridge for up to 2 days when sealed tightly.
Can I freeze Lemon Pepper Sole with Citrus Herb Sauce?
Yes, you can! To freeze the lemon pepper sole, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 2 months. However, I recommend avoiding freezing the citrus herb sauce, as the texture may change when thawed.
What should I do if my lemon pepper sole isn’t cooking properly?
Very! If your sole isn’t cooking evenly or is still raw in the center, ensure you’re not overcrowding the pan, as this prevents proper cooking. Cook in batches if necessary. Also, check that your heat is at the correct level; a medium heat usually works best for this recipe. The fish should be flaky and opaque when done.
Are there any dietary considerations for the Lemon Pepper Sole with Citrus Herb Sauce?
Definitely! This dish is a high-protein option that can be adjusted for various dietary needs. If you’re cooking for someone with a dairy intolerance, use dairy-free yogurt in place of Greek yogurt. For allergies, always check the labels on seasonings and sauces to ensure they’re free from allergens. Plus, feel free to substitute the fish with a suitable alternative that fits dietary restrictions.
Lemon Pepper Sole with Citrus Herb Sauce in Just 20 Minutes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the High Liner® sole according to package directions, either by skillet or oven, until golden brown and flaking easily. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
- In a medium bowl, combine the juice and zest of lemon and orange, along with cilantro, parsley, shallot, garlic, chili powder, and red pepper flakes. Stir in olive oil and season to taste with salt and pepper.
- In a separate bowl, gently mix together cherry tomatoes and red onions with 1 tablespoon of the citrus herb sauce.
- On a plate, place a dollop of Greek yogurt, stack the cooked sole on top, and generously garnish with the tomato salad. Drizzle the remaining citrus herb sauce over everything.
