Rex Sole
Glyptocephalus zachirus
A small, right-eyed Pacific flatfish, Rex Sole has very mild, sweet flavor and fine, delicate flesh. It’s a great everyday white fish for quick, gentle cooking—think light sautés, simple pan sauces, or baked fillets that showcase clean, subtle flavor.
Range
California to Canada
Method of Capture
Trawl
Seasonality
Year-round
Size Range
1.5 inches to 6 inches
Sustainability Consideration:
Rex Sole is part of the West Coast and Alaska groundfish complexes, which are managed with:
- Science-based catch limits and quotas
- Area closures to protect sensitive habitats
- Gear restrictions and bycatch controls
After historic overfishing of several groundfish species, these fisheries have become a rebuilding success story, with many stocks recovered under strict management. Choosing Rex Sole from these regulated fisheries supports that long-term recovery and responsible harvest.
Flavor & Texture:
- Flavor: Very mild, sweet, and clean, with almost no “fishy” character
- Texture: Fine-grained, delicate flesh that cooks quickly and stays tender with gentle heat
If you like Petrale, English, or other subtle “sole-type” fish, Rex Sole will feel right at home.
Seafood Cooking Tips
Because Rex Sole is lean and thin-filleted, the key is quick, controlled heat:
- Sauté / pan-fry – Lightly flour fillets and sauté in butter or oil; finish with lemon, capers, herbs, or a brown-butter pan sauce.
- Meunière-style – Classic sole treatment: pan-seared in butter and served with lemon and parsley.
- Bake – Lay fillets in a shallow dish with white wine, herbs, and a little butter; bake just until the flesh turns opaque.
- Steam – Steam with ginger, scallions, soy, or other aromatics for an ultra-light preparation.
- Roll or stuff – Thin fillets can be rolled around light fillings and baked gently in broth or wine.
Pull Rex Sole from the heat as soon as it turns opaque and flakes easily with gentle pressure—overcooking will dry out the thin fillets quickly.
Want This On Your Menu or Table?
For current availability, pricing, and prep ideas, get in touch with our team. We’re happy to help you decide what will work best for your menu or home kitchen.
