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fish recipe

Delicious Dory Fish Recipe (Pan-Fried or Crispy)

Alisha
This flavorful Dory Fish recipe is perfect for quick weeknight dinners. Whether pan-fried or battered and crispy, it’s light, flaky, and pairs beautifully with sweet and savory sauces.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian / Fusion
Servings 3 people
Calories 280 kcal

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.
Keyword Dory Fish Recipe