Every bite of Giada Sole with Lemon Caper Sauce reminds me why simple recipes are the best. The fish is tender and perfectly golden, while the sauce is bright, buttery, and loaded with citrusy goodness.
Those little bursts of briny capers? Absolute magic! I love serving this with roasted potatoes or even over rice to soak up all that saucy goodness. Make it for dinner tonight, and you’ll feel like you’re dining at a fancy bistro—without leaving your kitchen. Quick, easy, and so rewarding!
Recipe Ingredients
- 4 sole fillets
- ½ tsp of kosher salt
- 2 tbsp of extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 tbsp (½ stick) of unsalted butter, at room temperature
- ⅓ cup of all-purpose flour, for dredging
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ¼ cup of capers, rinsed and drained
- ¼ cup of fresh lemon juice (from 1 to 2 lemons)
- ½ cup of low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tbsp of chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
- ½ tsp of chopped fresh oregano
How To Make Giada Sole with Lemon Caper Sauce
- Prepare the Fillets: Pat the sole fillets completely dry using paper towels, ensuring no moisture remains for even cooking. Season both sides generously with kosher salt for a perfect flavor balance.
- Heat the Pan: Set a medium skillet over high heat and add 1 tbsp of olive oil and 1 tbsp of butter. Wait for the butter to melt and the bubbling to stop completely.
- Dredge the Fish: Coat two fillets evenly in flour on both sides, shaking off any excess to avoid clumping. The coating should be light for crisp, golden edges while cooking.
- Cook the Fillets: Place the dredged fillets in the hot pan and reduce the heat to medium-high. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on the first side until the edges are lightly browned.
- Flip and Finish Cooking: Gently flip the fillets with a wide spatula and cook the second side for 30 seconds. Remove the cooked fish and transfer it to a warm plate, then repeat with remaining fillets.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and rinsed capers to the same skillet over medium heat. Stir continuously for 15 seconds until the garlic is aromatic but not browned.
- Make the Sauce: Pour the lemon juice and chicken broth into the pan, scraping up browned bits for flavor. Simmer for 2 minutes to slightly reduce the liquid for a concentrated sauce.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in the remaining 2 tbsp of butter until fully melted, then add parsley and oregano. Spoon the tangy sauce generously over the warm fish and serve immediately.
Recipe Tips
- Make it Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour to ensure a light coating that works for everyone.
- Adjust the Sauce Consistency: For a thicker sauce, simmer the lemon juice and chicken broth a little longer before adding the butter and herbs.
- Try a Different Fish: If you don’t have sole, swap it with halibut, cod, or tilapia for a similar flaky texture and delicious results.
- Add a Pop of Color: Garnish the finished dish with thin lemon slices or extra fresh herbs like dill or basil for a vibrant presentation.
- Serve it Family Style: Place the fillets on a large platter, spoon the sauce generously over them, and serve alongside rice or roasted vegetables.
Recipe FAQs and Variations
Can I Use Frozen Fish Fillets?
Yes, but make sure to thaw the fish completely and pat it very dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.
What Can I Substitute for Chicken Broth?
Vegetable broth or water with a pinch of salt can be used as a substitute for chicken broth.
Can I Make This Dairy-free?
Yes, replace the butter with olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative for a dairy-free version.
What Herbs Can I Use if I Don’t Have Parsley?
Cilantro, dill, or even chives can work as substitutes for parsley, adding their own unique flavors.
How Do I Reheat Leftover Fish?
Reheat leftover fish gently in a non-stick pan over low heat, adding a splash of broth to keep it moist.
Check out More Recipes:
- Giada Pan-Seared Salmon with Year-Round Succotash
- Giada Piquillo Pepper and Macadamia Pesto with Broiled Cod
- Giada Herbed Striped Bass with Winter Kale Salad
- Giada Fennel Snapper in Parchment
Giada Sole with Lemon Caper Sauce
Course: DinnerCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Medium4
servings10
minutes20
minutes328
kcalEvery bite of Giada Sole with Lemon Caper Sauce reminds me why simple recipes are the best. The fish is tender and perfectly golden, while the sauce is bright, buttery, and loaded with citrusy goodness.
Ingredients
4 sole fillets
½ tsp of kosher salt
2 tbsp of extra-virgin olive oil
4 tbsp (½ stick) of unsalted butter, at room temperature
⅓ cup of all-purpose flour, for dredging
1 garlic clove, minced
¼ cup of capers, rinsed and drained
¼ cup of fresh lemon juice (from 1 to 2 lemons)
½ cup of low-sodium chicken broth
2 tbsp of chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
½ tsp of chopped fresh oregano
Directions
- Prepare the Fillets: Pat the sole fillets completely dry using paper towels, ensuring no moisture remains for even cooking. Season both sides generously with kosher salt for a perfect flavor balance.
- Heat the Pan: Set a medium skillet over high heat and add 1 tbsp of olive oil and 1 tbsp of butter. Wait for the butter to melt and the bubbling to stop completely.
- Dredge the Fish: Coat two fillets evenly in flour on both sides, shaking off any excess to avoid clumping. The coating should be light for crisp, golden edges while cooking.
- Cook the Fillets: Place the dredged fillets in the hot pan and reduce the heat to medium-high. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on the first side until the edges are lightly browned.
- Flip and Finish Cooking: Gently flip the fillets with a wide spatula and cook the second side for 30 seconds. Remove the cooked fish and transfer it to a warm plate, then repeat with remaining fillets.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and rinsed capers to the same skillet over medium heat. Stir continuously for 15 seconds until the garlic is aromatic but not browned.
- Make the Sauce: Pour the lemon juice and chicken broth into the pan, scraping up browned bits for flavor. Simmer for 2 minutes to slightly reduce the liquid for a concentrated sauce.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in the remaining 2 tbsp of butter until fully melted, then add parsley and oregano. Spoon the tangy sauce generously over the warm fish and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
4 servings per container
- Amount Per ServingCalories328
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat
26.7g
42%
- Saturated Fat 9.5g 48%
- Cholesterol 78mg 26%
- Sodium 357mg 15%
- Total Carbohydrate
6.2g
3%
- Dietary Fiber 0.3g 2%
- Sugars 0.4g
- Protein 16.8g 34%
* The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
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