Dorado Fish with Vegetable Tagliatelle

Dorado, also known as gilthead seabream, is a Mediterranean delicacy loved worldwide for its tender, flavorful meat. Known by many names—dorade, orata, aurata—this fish graces the menus of top-tier restaurants and is a staple in Mediterranean cuisine.

This recipe, crafted by chef Daria Grositskaya, highlights the elegance of dorado, pairing its delicate flavors with vibrant vegetable tagliatelle and a tangy-sweet citrus sauce. A blend of simplicity and sophistication, it’s a dish that’s as delightful to cook as it is to savor.

Dorado Fish with Vegetable Tagliatelle

Mediterranean Dorado with Citrus Sauce and Vegetable Tagliatelle

Pan-seared dorado fillet served with ribboned carrots and zucchini, finished with a tangy orange-caper sauce for a light yet indulgent meal.
Difficulty Level: Medium
Calories: 400
Best Season: Summer, Spring
Cooking Time: 40 minutes min
Servings: 2 person

Ingredients:

For the Fish and Vegetables:

•1 whole dorado fish, cleaned

•2 oz (50 g) carrot, thinly sliced into ribbons

•2 oz (50 g) zucchini, thinly sliced into ribbons

•1 tbsp (20 g) olive oil

•1 tbsp (20 g) unsalted butter

•Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Sauce:

•1 small onion, finely chopped

•1 tsp (5 g) capers

•Zest of 1 orange (1 tsp)

•1 tbsp (15 g) orange pulp, diced

•2 sprigs fresh thyme

•¼ cup (50 g) orange juice

•¼ cup (60 ml) chicken broth

•1 tbsp (20 ml) white wine

•1 tsp (2 g) sugar

•Pinch of salt

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Fish

1.Fillet the dorado: make incisions along the back and belly, carefully separating the fillets from the bones.

2.Remove any remaining pin bones. Season with salt and pepper on both sides.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

3. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté the onion until translucent.

4. Add the capers, orange zest, orange pulp, and thyme.

5. Pour in the white wine and reduce the liquid by half.

6. Add the chicken broth and orange juice, simmer until slightly thickened.

7. Season with salt and sugar, aiming for a balanced sweet-sour flavor. Set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Fish and Vegetables

8. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear the dorado fillets skin-side down until golden, then flip and cook the other side briefly. Remove and set aside.

9. In the same skillet, add the carrot and zucchini ribbons beneath the fish fillets.

10. Pour the prepared sauce and remaining chicken broth over the fish and vegetables.

11. Cover and cook on medium heat for about 10 minutes, until the vegetables are tender yet firm (al dente).

Step 4: Finish the Dish

12. Swirl in butter to create a glossy sauce, moving the skillet in circular motions.

13. Plate the fish first, followed by the vegetables, and drizzle with the citrus sauce.