John Dory with Beer Mussel Sauce Recipe
Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 15 mins
This John Dory with beer mussel sauce is the perfect dish to showcase the delicate flavors of the fish combined with a rich, savory sauce. The addition of beer and mussels brings out a deep, umami-packed taste, while crispy John Dory fillets provide a delightful texture. Paired with crusty bread for dipping, this dish will impress any seafood lover!
Ingredients:
1 John Dory fillet per person
Handful of mussels (about 6 per person)
Handful of samphire
Good hunk of chorizo
1 bottle of beer (a pale ale or lager works well)
2 tablespoons tomato puree
1 shallot, finely diced
2-3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
Crusty bread for dipping
Instructions:
- Prepare the Mussels: Begin by cleaning the mussels. Ensure they are alive and tightly shut. Scrape off any barnacles and remove the beards. Don’t worry—this part doesn’t take long, and you only need a handful to create the flavorful mussel sauce.
- Cook the Chorizo: Dice the chorizo into chunky pieces and fry them in a saucepan over medium heat to release the oil. The oil will infuse the sauce with a rich, smoky flavor.
- Sweat the Shallots and Garlic: Once the chorizo has released its oil, dice the shallot and garlic finely and add them to the pan. Cook gently until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Make the Mussel Sauce: Stir in a couple of teaspoons of tomato puree and cook briefly to combine. Then, add the cleaned mussels to the saucepan and pour in the beer. The liquid should cover the mussels by about half. Cover the saucepan with a lid and gently shake the pot to steam the mussels. They will open within about 3-4 minutes. Once opened, stir in the samphire and cook for an additional minute.
- Cook the John Dory Fillets: While the mussels are steaming, heat a separate pan until it’s scorching hot. Pat the John Dory fillets dry and place them skin-side down in the pan. Press the fillets lightly with a spatula to prevent them from curling up. Allow the skin to crisp for about 3-4 minutes, depending on the size. Flip the fillets and cook on the flesh side for only 20 seconds—just enough to sear it.
- Serve the Dish: Spoon the mussels and sauce into a bowl, then place the John Dory fillets skin-side up on top. Serve with crusty bread for dipping into the rich mussel sauce.
Enjoy this delicious John Dory with beer mussel sauce—a perfect combination of crispy fish and savory, beer-infused sauce!
