The simplest preparation of pan fried sole is the best, because it highlights the sole's delicate texture and flavor. Season the sole fillets with salt and pepper, then dust with flour on both sides, shaking the excess off. In two large nonstick skillets, or in a double-burner nonstick griddle, melt the butter over medium-high heat.
In fact, though we call petrale a sole, it is not. That is only a term of, shall we say, commercial convenience. In the early days, it was a way of selling an unfamiliar product to a transplanted audience, just as red wine from Modesto used to be called Burgundy and blue cheese from Petaluma Roquefort.
The first time you fix it, start on the bottom, most basic, rung to best appreciate the flavor. In the case of petrale, brush it with a little butter, broil it and serve it with lemon wedges on the side. Once you’ve got the taste in your mouth, you can move on to more complicated recipes.
The sole fillets will be all cooked within 10 minutes so your side dishes should be almost done before you start adding the fillets to the pan. Take the sole fillets out of the fridge, pat them dry with a paper towel, and set aside on the kitchen counter.