Home » Fish » Poached John Dory Fillet


It’s Friday and some of you are screaming TGIF and you’re eagerly awaiting the weekend. Some of you might even be listening to Loverboy!

Fridays for me also mean that it’s no meat today (at least I try). One doesn’t have to go “all out” vegan but the I like the break from meat each Friday.

I recently tried poaching fish and I was pleased with the result. Poaching simply means to cook something in a simmering liquid.

In this instance, I again used John Dory fillets. John Dorys are a white flat fish and you can sub this fish with flounder, grouper, turbot, soul or even a cod or tilapia fillet.

It’s quick, it’s easy and the fish is delicate and flaky. I served this dish with boiled potatoes and sauteed vegetables.

Poached John Dory Fillets

1 cup of water
1/2 cup white wine
2 Tbsp. chopped onion
2 Tbsp. chopped celery
a few peppercorns
1/2 tsp salt
1 bay leaf
1 1/2 tsp. fresh chopped tarragon
2 springs of fresh thyme
2 John Dory fillets
lemon wedges

  1. In a skillet, place all ingredients except the fish and lemon wedges. Bring to a boil; cover reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
  2. Add fillets in a single layer, cover and poach for 2 minutes.
  3. Serve with lemon wedges.

14 Responses

  1. I love poaching fish. I have a favourite salmon recipe that calls for the poached method with a lemon/caper sauce.

  2. Hey Peter, it’s fish Friday at our house also. Grouper is one of the main fishes that we get here in the Keys. So I will have to try your yummy dish with our grouper!

  3. Hi Peter,

    Fish for Friday – how wonderful! Thanks for reminding me about this recipe. I haven’t made it in a while and you’ve inspired me with all these ingredients.

  4. We eat fish on Friday, too. It’s the day I do the shopping and I like it fresh.
    Mon mari hates Friday….
    Nicely done, poaching in a flavorful wine broth.
    I love fish, it can de done so quickly and is so good when not cooked to death!

  5. Hello and your poached John Dory Fillets look perfect! Bravo! I was just thinking about trying Tilapia fillets since I was perusing them at the local seafood shop and now I think I will go back and get a few. I love the sound of the ingredients in your recipe. Lots of flavor from using fresh herbs that will compliment a delicate fish. =D

  6. Mmmmm. I love John Dory (Χριστόψαρο) and only wish we could get it up here. Your version looks delicious, as do the zucchini you served with it.

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