Sole
Fish
Nutri-ScoreA

Sole

Solea solea

Clinical Encyclopedia

SM
Nutri-Score & Health Summary

Sole provides 91 kcal, 20g of protein, 0g of carbohydrates, and 0g of fiber per 100g. With a Nutri-Score grade 'A', it is a highly recommended option for nutrient density.

Sole is a flatfish known for its delicate flavor and tender texture. It is a rich source of protein and essential nutrients, making it a popular choice in various culinary dishes.

Also known as:
Common soleEuropean sole
Scientific NameSolea solea
Region of OriginEurope

Macronutrient Ratio

Caloric distribution of primary energy metrics per 100g

Calories91 kcal
Water
80%
Fiber0g
Total21.0g
Protein
20g(95%)
Fats
1g(5%)
Carbohydrates
0g(0%)

Micronutrient DV% Score

Top vitamins and minerals ranked by percentage of Daily Recommended Value

Vitamins (DV%)
Minerals (DV%)

Complete Micronutrient Breakdown

Detailed concentration of essential micronutrients per 100g serving.

Vitamins

Major Source (≥ 2% DV)
Vitamin B121.8 µg (75%)
Vitamin D0.5 µg (3%)
Vitamins with less than 2% DVNone registered

Minerals

Major Source (≥ 2% DV)
Selenium36.5 µg (66%)
Phosphorus200 mg (29%)
Minerals with less than 2% DVNone registered

Health Benefits

High in protein, sole supports muscle growth and repair, making it an excellent choice for athletes and active individuals.
Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, sole contributes to heart health by reducing inflammation and improving cholesterol levels.
Contains essential vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin B12 and selenium, which are vital for energy production and immune function.
Low in calories and fat, sole is an ideal option for those looking to maintain a healthy weight while enjoying flavorful meals.

Possible Risks & Side Effects

!Sole may contain environmental contaminants such as mercury; thus, it should be consumed in moderation, especially by pregnant women.
!Individuals with shellfish allergies should exercise caution, as cross-reactivity may occur.

How to Prepare & Consume

Sole is best prepared by grilling, baking, or pan-searing to preserve its delicate flavor. It can be served with light sauces or herbs for enhanced taste.

Smart Selection & Storage

How to Select

Choose sole that has a fresh, mild ocean smell, firm flesh, and bright, clear eyes. Avoid fish with a strong odor or dull eyes.

How to Store

Store sole in the coldest part of the refrigerator and consume within 1-2 days. If freezing, wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn.

Myths vs Realities

MythSole is a high-calorie fish.
RealitySole is actually low in calories, making it a great option for weight management.
MythAll fish are high in mercury.
RealityWhile some fish are high in mercury, sole is generally considered safe to eat in moderation.
MythYou can only eat sole fried.
RealitySole can be prepared in various healthy ways, including grilling, baking, and steaming.

Healthy Recipes

Lemon Herb Sole with Quinoa Salad

A light and zesty dish featuring pan-seared sole fillets paired with a refreshing quinoa salad loaded with vegetables and herbs.

Ingredients
  • 2 sole fillets
  • 1 lemon (juiced and zested)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa
  • 1/2 cucumber (diced)
  • 1/2 bell pepper (diced)
  • 1/4 cup parsley (chopped)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. Season the sole fillets with lemon juice, zest, salt, and pepper.
  2. 2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the sole for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden.
  3. 3. In a bowl, mix cooked quinoa, cucumber, bell pepper, parsley, and drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice before serving alongside the sole.

Sole Tacos with Avocado Salsa

Delicious and healthy sole tacos topped with a fresh avocado salsa, perfect for a light lunch or dinner.

Ingredients
  • 2 sole fillets
  • 4 corn tortillas
  • 1 avocado (diced)
  • 1 tomato (diced)
  • 1/4 red onion (finely chopped)
  • 1 lime (juiced)
  • Cilantro for garnish
  • Salt to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. Season the sole fillets with salt and grill them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until cooked through.
  2. 2. In a bowl, combine avocado, tomato, onion, lime juice, and salt to make the salsa.
  3. 3. Serve the grilled sole in corn tortillas topped with avocado salsa and garnish with cilantro.

Baked Sole with Spinach and Feta

A nutritious baked sole dish stuffed with a savory mixture of spinach and feta cheese, served with a side of roasted vegetables.

Ingredients
  • 2 sole fillets
  • 1 cup fresh spinach
  • 1/4 cup feta cheese (crumbled)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. 2. Sauté spinach in olive oil until wilted, then mix in feta cheese, salt, and pepper.
  3. 3. Place the spinach mixture on the sole fillets, roll them up, and bake for 15 minutes. Serve with roasted vegetables.

Sole Piccata with Cauliflower Rice

A healthy twist on the classic piccata, featuring sole fillets in a lemon-caper sauce served over cauliflower rice.

Ingredients
  • 2 sole fillets
  • 1 lemon (juiced)
  • 2 tablespoons capers
  • 1 cup cauliflower rice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
  1. 1. Season sole fillets with salt and pepper, then sauté in olive oil for 3-4 minutes on each side.
  2. 2. Add lemon juice and capers to the pan, cooking for an additional minute.
  3. 3. Serve the sole over cauliflower rice, garnished with fresh parsley.

Sole with Mango Salsa and Brown Rice

A vibrant dish featuring sole fillets topped with a sweet and spicy mango salsa, served alongside brown rice for a wholesome meal.

Ingredients
  • 2 sole fillets
  • 1 mango (diced)
  • 1/2 red onion (finely chopped)
  • 1 jalapeño (minced)
  • 1 lime (juiced)
  • 1 cup cooked brown rice
  • Salt to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. Season sole fillets with salt and grill for 3-4 minutes on each side.
  2. 2. In a bowl, mix mango, onion, jalapeño, lime juice, and salt to create the salsa.
  3. 3. Serve the grilled sole over brown rice topped with mango salsa.

Sole and Asparagus Stir-Fry

A quick and healthy stir-fry featuring sole and asparagus, tossed in a light soy sauce and sesame oil dressing.

Ingredients
  • 2 sole fillets (cut into strips)
  • 1 bunch asparagus (trimmed and cut into pieces)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 garlic clove (minced)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
  1. 1. Heat sesame oil in a pan and sauté garlic until fragrant.
  2. 2. Add asparagus and cook for 2-3 minutes, then add sole strips and soy sauce, cooking until sole is done.
  3. 3. Sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.

Mediterranean Sole with Chickpeas

A flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring sole fillets served with a chickpea salad dressed in olive oil and herbs.

Ingredients
  • 2 sole fillets
  • 1 can chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
  • 1/2 cucumber (diced)
  • 1/4 cup red onion (chopped)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. Season sole fillets with salt and pepper, then pan-sear for 3-4 minutes on each side.
  2. 2. In a bowl, combine chickpeas, cucumber, onion, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
  3. 3. Serve the sole alongside the chickpea salad.

Sole en Papillote with Vegetables

A healthy cooking method that steams sole fillets with seasonal vegetables in parchment paper, preserving flavor and nutrients.

Ingredients
  • 2 sole fillets
  • 1 zucchini (sliced)
  • 1 carrot (julienned)
  • 1 lemon (sliced)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. 2. Place the sole fillets on a piece of parchment paper, top with zucchini, carrot, lemon slices, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  3. 3. Fold the parchment to create a sealed packet and bake for 15-20 minutes.

Sole with Tomato Basil Sauce

A simple yet flavorful dish featuring sole fillets topped with a fresh tomato basil sauce, served with steamed broccoli.

Ingredients
  • 2 sole fillets
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
Instructions
  1. 1. Sauté cherry tomatoes in olive oil until softened, then stir in basil, salt, and pepper.
  2. 2. Cook the sole fillets in a separate pan for 3-4 minutes on each side.
  3. 3. Serve the sole topped with tomato basil sauce alongside steamed broccoli.

Sole with Sweet Potato Mash

A comforting dish featuring pan-seared sole served with creamy sweet potato mash, providing a healthy and satisfying meal.

Ingredients
  • 2 sole fillets
  • 2 sweet potatoes (peeled and cubed)
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
  1. 1. Boil sweet potatoes until tender, then mash with butter, salt, and pepper.
  2. 2. Season sole fillets with salt and pepper, then pan-sear in olive oil for 3-4 minutes on each side.
  3. 3. Serve the sole alongside the sweet potato mash.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best way to cook sole?

Sole can be cooked by grilling, baking, or pan-searing. It is best to keep the preparation simple to highlight its delicate flavor.

Is sole a healthy fish to eat?

Yes, sole is low in calories and high in protein, making it a healthy choice for a balanced diet.

How often can I eat sole?

Due to potential mercury content, it is recommended to consume sole in moderation, about 1-2 times a week.

Can sole be frozen?

Yes, sole can be frozen. It is best to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil to prevent freezer burn.

What are the nutritional benefits of sole?

Sole is rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins and minerals, contributing to overall health.

How do I know if sole is fresh?

Fresh sole should have a mild ocean smell, firm flesh, and clear, bright eyes.

What dishes can I make with sole?

Sole can be used in various dishes, including sole meunière, fish tacos, or simply grilled with herbs.

Is sole sustainable?

Sustainability varies by fishing method; check for certifications like MSC to ensure you are choosing sustainably sourced sole.