John Dory

What Is John Dory?

John Dory (Zeus faber) is a flat, high-bodied bottom-dwelling fish with an elongated jaw. Its most distinctive feature is the dark round spot surrounded by a halo on each side of its body.

Although its appearance is unremarkable, its firm, white, and low-bone flesh is highly prized. Since its fillets cook without falling apart, it's a fish valued by restaurant kitchens.

Nutritional Value of John Dory

Like lean white fish, John Dory contains approximately 90 kcal of energy and a high amount of protein per 100 grams; since verified species-specific USDA data does not exist, the values are approximated from a similar profile.

What Are the Benefits of John Dory?

With its high-quality protein and low fat content, John Dory can be considered part of a balanced diet as a light option.

This information is general; John Dory is a food, not a substitute for medical treatment.

How to Choose John Dory

Fresh John Dory has shiny eyes, red gills, firm flesh, and a sea smell. Larger specimens give thicker fillets.

• The eyes should be shiny, gills red
• The flesh should be firm and not hold a fingerprint
• The sea smell should be clean

How to Store John Dory

Fresh John Dory is kept in the coldest part of the refrigerator, over ice, for 1-2 days; it can be cleaned and kept frozen in an airtight bag for months.

Using John Dory in the Kitchen

With its firm flesh, John Dory is used as fillets pan-fried, baked, and steamed; its non-flaking texture also suits seafood stews and saucy dishes. Gentle cooking preserves the flesh's sweetish flavor.

How Is John Dory Fillet Cooked?

The dried fillet is salted and cooked skin-side down first in a pan with a butter-olive oil mixture until golden; finished with lemon and fresh herbs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the spot on John Dory for?

This dark spot helps identify the species; although there are various folk legends about it, its function is as an identifying mark.

Is John Dory bony?

Despite the large head-to-body ratio, its edible flesh has few bones; once filleted it is used nearly bone-free.

What does John Dory taste like?

It has a delicate white, sweetish, and non-sharp taste; that's why it shines with simple cooking methods.