Wild John Dory is a truly exceptional fish, a rare find that stands out in the seafood world. Often called “St. Peter’s Fish,” this peculiar-looking creature is highly sought after for its delicate and delicious fillets. With no obvious relatives, the John Dory boasts a distinctive appearance and a taste that’s sure to impress.
Characterized by its oval and remarkably flat body, the John Dory is incredibly thin with skin ranging from yellow-brown to grayish olive. Its skin is covered in fine, almost invisible scales, meaning no scaling is required before cooking. Adding to its unique profile are the ten prominent spines along its dorsal fin and the unmistakable “thumbprint” marking on its side. This dark spot is steeped in legend, believed to be the touch of St. Peter himself, the patron saint of fishermen, hence the alternative names “St. Peter’s Fish” or the French “St. Pierre’s Fish.”
John Dory offers a mild, subtle flavor and is naturally low in fat, making it a healthy and delicious choice. However, due to its slender body shape and disproportionately large head, the yield of fillets is relatively low, approximately one-third of its total weight. This is why John Dory is rarely prepared whole and why we offer fresh, expertly cut fillets for your convenience. To best enjoy John Dory, consider sautéing, steaming, or poaching to highlight its delicate texture. It’s also a wonderful addition to soups, stews, and classic dishes like bouillabaisse. For culinary inspiration, try preparing John Dory in ways you would typically cook dover sole – you’ll be delighted with the results.
To ensure you get the most from your John Dory fillets, be sure to check out our Browne Blog for expert advice on caring for and storing seafood. And if you’re interested in learning how to fillet whole round fish yourself, our detailed tutorial is a great resource.
- Harvest Region: Portugal
Suggested serving sizes: Filleted fish: 6-8oz of raw fish per person.
If John Dory fillets are currently out of stock, please revisit our site on Tuesdays after 2pm ET for our latest availability updates.
