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Pan-Fried John Dory

Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 17 Jan 2026

Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines

This pan-fried John Dory offers a sophisticated yet simple way to enjoy one of the finest catches from British waters. The delicate, sweet flavour of the white fish is perfectly preserved beneath a light, golden breadcrumb crust. Using fresh breadcrumbs ensures a superior crunch that contrasts beautifully with the firm, flaky texture of the fillets, making it a wonderful choice for a nutritious midweek dinner or a refined weekend lunch.

As a high-protein dish, this recipe is both satisfying and light, focusing on quality ingredients and straightforward techniques. John Dory is a prized choice for its subtle taste, needing little more than a squeeze of fresh lemon to bring the flavours to life. Serve these crisp fillets alongside a seasonal green salad or some buttery crushed new potatoes for a balanced and elegant homemade meal.

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Ingredients for Pan-Fried John Dory

  • 2 large eggs

  • 3/4 teaspoons salt

  • 1/2 teaspoons ground black pepper

  • 130g plain flour

  • 450g fresh breadcrumbs made from crustless Italian bread

  • 110g skinless John Dory fillets

  • 60ml extra-virgin olive oil

  • Lemon wedges

How to make Pan-Fried John Dory

Preheat oven to 121°C. Whisk eggs with 3/4 teaspoons salt and 1/2 teaspoons pepper in shallow dish. Place flour on plate. Place breadcrumbs on another plate. Dredge fish in flour; shake off excess. Dip fish into seasoned eggs, then coat completely with breadcrumbs. Transfer to baking sheet.

Heat oil in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 fillets and cook until coating is golden brown and fillets are opaque in centre, about 3 minutes per side. Using 2 spatulas, transfer to rimmed baking sheet; keep warm in oven. Repeat with remaining fillets. Transfer fish to platter. Garnish with lemon wedges and serve.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 17 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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