Breastfeeding Friendly Pan-Seared Sole with Coconut Brown Butter and Sage
Delicate sole fillets get a serious upgrade here, seared until golden and draped in a fragrant coconut brown butter loaded with crispy sage and golden garlic. The turmeric adds a gentle warmth and a beautiful golden hue without overpowering the mild, flaky fish — and that bright hit of lemon at the end ties everything together in the most satisfying way. Sole is a lean, mild white fish that's easy to digest and a great source of protein, making it a smart choice when your body is working hard to nourish a little one. Coconut oil stands in beautifully for dairy butter throughout, so you get all the richness of a classic brown butter sauce without any dairy in the picture. The whole process moves quickly once you're at the stove, so this feels like a restaurant-worthy dinner without a lot of time on your feet. Serve it straight from the pan with a squeeze of lemon and a scatter of fresh parsley, and it looks as good as it tastes.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 4 sole fillets (about 5–6 oz each)
- ½ tsp fine sea salt
- ¼ tsp ground turmeric
- 2 tbsp coconut oil, divided
For the coconut brown butter
- 4 tbsp refined coconut oil
- 12 fresh sage leaves
- 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
For serving
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, roughly chopped (optional)
Can be omittedfresh parsley
- lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Pat the sole fillets thoroughly dry with paper towels. Sprinkle both sides evenly with the sea salt and turmeric.
- 2
Heat 1 tbsp of the coconut oil in a 12-inch stainless steel or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers and a drop of water flicked in sizzles immediately. Add 2 fillets in a single layer without crowding and sear undisturbed for 2–3 minutes, until the underside is golden and the fillet releases cleanly from the pan. Carefully flip with a fish spatula and cook for 1–2 minutes more, until the fish is opaque throughout and reaches 145°F (63°C) on an instant-read thermometer. Transfer to a warm plate and tent loosely. Repeat with the remaining 1 tbsp coconut oil and the remaining 2 fillets.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!