Grilled Dover sole with lemon and caper dressing

It's probably only practical to cook this for 2 as 2 fish will comfortably fit under most grills and this is a fine way to show off a plate sized Dover sole.  The lemon and caper dressing is really easy to make, it is just stirring a few ingredients together and the lovely firm flesh of the fish works beautifully with it.  If you’re short on time and want to indulge yourself with a bit of luxury then this is the dish for you.

Fishmonger Preparation –

Have the dark side skinned, leave the white side on but have it scaled and the head removed if you wish.

You will need – Serves 2

2 x Dover soles weighing about 450 g /1lb

25 g / 1 oz butter, melted

100 ml / 3 fl oz good extra virgin olive oil

Splash of white wine vinegar

Zest of 2 lemons

Juice of 1 lemon 

1 tbsp rinsed salted capers, roughly chopped

Small handful of finely chopped basil

Sea salt

Black pepper

To Make

Pre heat the grill to maximum.

Brush the white side of the fish with a little melted butter then lay onto your grill pan.  Brush the top of the fish with melted butter and season with salt and pepper.  Place under the grill and grill for about 10-12 minutes brushing every so often with a little more melted butter so the Dover sole takes on a wonderful crisp golden coating.

Make the dressing by mixing the olive oil and vinegar, taste to make sure you have a good acidity between the two, the dressing should be quite piquant. Then add the lemon zest, juice, capers and basil.  

Place a fish on each plate and spoon a little of the dressing over making sure there is plenty of caper, lemon zest and herbs going onto each fish.  

A fennel salad made by tossing finely sliced fennel with lemon juice sea salt and parsley would make a lovely accompaniment.