Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Brown Butter Sole with Peas & Mussels Recipe


  • Author: Sophie
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

A delicate and flavorful dish featuring brown butter seared lemon sole fillets served with fresh peas and steamed mussels, enhanced by a splash of dry cider and fresh lemon juice. Finished with vibrant pea shoots, this elegant seafood plate is perfect for a light, impressive meal.


Ingredients

Scale

Seafood and Vegetables

  • 4 lemon sole fillets
  • 200g fresh podded peas (or frozen)
  • 100g mussels, washed and de-bearded
  • Large handful pea shoots, to serve

Other Ingredients

  • 1 tsp sunflower oil
  • 50g butter
  • Small splash of dry cider (about 2 tbsp)
  • Juice of ½ lemon, plus wedges to serve

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil and butter: Heat the sunflower oil and butter together in a deep frying pan over medium heat until the butter is foaming and starting to turn nut-brown.
  2. Cook the sole fillets: Add the lemon sole fillets to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes on one side without moving them. Carefully turn each fillet over and baste them continuously with the browned butter to infuse rich nutty flavor.
  3. Add peas, mussels, and liquids: Increase the heat slightly then add the peas, mussels, a splash of dry cider (about 2 tablespoons), and the juice of half a lemon to the pan. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  4. Steam the mussels and peas: Cover the pan with a lid and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until the mussels have opened. Discard any mussels that remain closed.
  5. Finish and serve: Scatter the pea shoots over the cooked fish and mussels. Bring the pan directly to the table with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the dish.

Notes

  • Make sure to discard any mussels that do not open after cooking, as they may not be safe to eat.
  • You can use frozen peas if fresh ones are not available, but fresh peas offer better texture and flavor.
  • Use a deep frying pan with a lid to ensure the mussels steam properly and cook evenly.
  • Basting the fish with brown butter adds a rich nutty flavor that complements the delicate sole.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: British

Keywords: Brown butter sole, lemon sole recipe, peas and mussels, seafood dish, easy fish recipe, spring peas, brown butter sauce