Dory Fish Recipe: A Simple Yet Flavorful Dish
From one fish-lover’s kitchen to another, this dory fish recipe is my go-to for weeknights when I crave something light, quick, and packed with flavor. I still remember the first time I tried this dish on a rainy evening—it quickly became a family favorite for its flaky texture and how well it pairs with just about any seasoning.
Whether I’m short on time or planning a cozy dinner, this recipe always delivers a satisfying plate. Let me show you how to make it the right way—and why it deserves a permanent spot in your meal rotation.
Why I Love Cooking with Dory Fish
Dory fish has a naturally mild, slightly sweet flavor and soft texture that adapts beautifully to various cooking methods. Whether grilled, pan-fried, or baked, it holds its shape and absorbs flavors well. I especially love it because:
It’s high in omega-3 and low in fat
Preps and cooks quickly
Goes with everything—from tangy sauces to creamy herbs
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Fish:
500g dory fish fillets (bite-sized pieces)
1 lemon (juice)
2 cloves garlic (chopped)
Salt & pepper (to taste)
2 tbsp soy sauce
Olive oil or canola oil (for frying)
Fresh basil & chives (for garnish)
For the Batter (Fried Version):
2 tbsp flour
2 tbsp rice flour
2 tbsp crispy flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 egg
1/4 cup milk
1/2 tsp white pepper
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp palm sugar
1 tsp sesame oil
Sweet and Sour Sauce:
2 tbsp pineapple juice
2 tbsp tomato sauce
1 tbsp vinegar
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp fish sauce
1 tbsp chopped scallions
1 tsp fresh ginger (chopped)
1 red chilli (chopped)
Garnishes & Veg:
1/2 cup spring onions
1/2 cup bell peppers
2 tbsp shallots
Fresh parsley
Step-by-Step Method
Step 1: Season the Fish
Pat dry the fillets, then rub with salt, pepper, and lemon juice. This pre-seasoning makes the fish pop with flavor even before cooking.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic & Shallots
Heat oil in a pan and sauté garlic and shallots until golden. This forms the aromatic base for your fish.
Step 3: Cook the Fish
Add the fish fillets. Cook 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and flaky. Don’t overcrowd the pan—this helps the fish crisp properly.
Step 4: Prepare the Batter (Optional for Fried Version)
Mix the dry ingredients with egg, milk, and sesame oil into a smooth batter. Dip each piece and fry until golden and crispy.
Step 5: Make the Sweet & Sour Sauce
In a pan, simmer all sauce ingredients until thickened. Adjust heat for desired sweetness or spice. Pour over fried fish just before serving.
Step 6: Garnish and Plate
Top with chopped spring onions, bell peppers, basil, and parsley. Add a drizzle of lemon butter or creamy garlic sauce if desired.
Serving Ideas
Light option: Serve with quinoa and grilled veggies
Comfort meal: Add creamy mashed potatoes and roasted carrots
Asian style: Pair with jasmine rice and sautéed greens
Storage Tips
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for 1–2 days
Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in fridge—do not refreeze once thawed.
Pro tip: Reheat in the oven, not microwave, to maintain crisp texture.
Recipe Notes:
-
Dory fish is delicate—avoid overcooking to keep it tender.
-
For an extra crisp coating, chill the batter for 10 minutes before frying.
-
You can skip the batter entirely for a healthier, pan-seared version.
Storage & Reheating Tips:
-
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
-
Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
-
Reheating: Always reheat in the oven to retain crispness. Avoid the microwave for fried versions.
(FAQs) Dory Fish Recipe
Q1. What makes dory fish ideal for quick meals?
Dory fish cooks fast, has a mild flavor, and absorbs seasonings well. Its flaky texture makes it perfect for quick, delicious weeknight dinners.
Q2. Can I pan-fry or grill dory fish instead of deep frying?
Yes, dory fish can be pan-fried or grilled. It holds its shape well and adapts to both methods, making it a versatile, healthier cooking option.
Q3. What ingredients go into the best dory fish batter?
A good dory fish batter includes flour, rice flour, crispy flour, baking powder, egg, milk, sesame oil, and spices for a light, crispy coating.
Q4. How do I make sweet and sour sauce for dory fish?
Combine pineapple juice, tomato sauce, vinegar, soy sauce, fish sauce, scallions, ginger, and chili, then simmer until slightly thickened.
Q5. What are the best sides to serve with dory fish?
Serve dory fish with jasmine rice, mashed potatoes, or grilled veggies. It also pairs well with quinoa or Asian-style greens for balance.
Q6. How should I store and reheat leftover dory fish?
Store in the fridge for 1–2 days or freeze up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven to keep the texture crispy—avoid microwaving if fried.
Delicious Dory Fish Recipe (Pan-Fried or Crispy)
Equipment
- Frying pan or skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs or spatula
- Paper towels
- Knife and cutting board
- Small saucepan (for sauce)
Ingredients
- For the Fish:
- 500 g dory fish fillets cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 lemon juiced
- 2 cloves garlic chopped
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- Olive oil or canola oil for frying
- Fresh basil & chives for garnish
- Optional Batter For Fried Version:
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp rice flour
- 2 tbsp crispy flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup milk
- ½ tsp white pepper
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp palm sugar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Sweet and Sour Sauce:
- 2 tbsp pineapple juice
- 2 tbsp tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp vinegar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp chopped scallions
- 1 tsp fresh ginger chopped
- 1 red chili chopped
- Garnishes & Veg:
- ½ cup spring onions
- ½ cup bell peppers
- 2 tbsp shallots
- Fresh parsley optional
Instructions
- Step 1 – Season the Fish:
- Pat dry the fish fillets. Rub with salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
- Step 2 – Sauté Aromatics:
- In a pan, heat oil and sauté chopped garlic and shallots until golden and fragrant.
- Step 3 – Cook the Fish:
- Add the seasoned fish. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and flaky. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Step 4 – (Optional) Batter & Fry:
- If frying, mix batter ingredients into a smooth mixture. Dip the fish pieces and fry until crispy and golden brown.
- Step 5 – Make Sweet and Sour Sauce:
- In a separate saucepan, combine all sauce ingredients. Simmer until thickened, then adjust to taste. Pour over the cooked or fried fish.
- Step 6 – Garnish & Serve:
- Top with spring onions, bell peppers, basil, and parsley. Add a drizzle of lemon butter or garlic sauce for extra flavor if desired.
Notes
Recipe Notes:
- Dory fish is delicate—avoid overcooking to keep it tender.
- For an extra crisp coating, chill the batter for 10 minutes before frying.
- You can skip the batter entirely for a healthier, pan-seared version.
Storage & Reheating Tips:
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
- Reheating: Always reheat in the oven to retain crispness. Avoid the microwave for fried versions.
