Grilled John Dory

Published on 1 November 2025 at 16:16

This Grilled John Dory is a masterpiece of the sea, known for its remarkably silky, delicate texture and a clean, subtly sweet flavour that truly sets it apart. Forget "flaky"—this fish is so tender it seems to dissolve on the tongue, offering a refined dining experience that seafood aficionados crave. Grilling enhances its natural elegance, creating a beautiful contrast: a slight, savoury char on the exterior gives way to the moist, tender flesh within.

Ingredients

  • John Dory, cleaned and fins removed
  • 2 Rosemary sprigs, leaves finely chopped
  • 4 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp Flaky Sea Salt
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp Fennel Seeds, lightly ground
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Sea salt & ground black pepper
  • Juice of 1 lemon

Instructions

  • Place the olive oil, salt herbs and spices into a shallow sided tray and mix with a spoon. 
  • Next lay the John dory onto a chopping board, make three slices into the fish on both sides.
  • This will allow the fish to cook quicker and crisp up the skin easier. 
  • Then lay the fish onto the spice rub and massage into the fish making sure you work it into those cut marks.
  • Once the coals are ready, lay the fish directly onto the hot grill and leave them so that the skin starts to crisp up and blister (5 or 6 minutes). Do not be scared at leaving it a little longer, charred fish skin is stunning slightly sweet, savoury, and crispy.
  • Then carefully turn the fish over and continue to cook for the same time.
  • Remove the fish from the BBQ and lay onto a serving plate, squeeze over the lemon juice, and leave rest for three minutes.