Fish Doulet Recipe

Prepare aromatics

Peel and finely dice the yellow onion. Roughly chop the jalapeños, remove seeds if you want milder heat, then finely mince. Peel and mince the garlic. Chop the cilantro and parsley and set aside separately.

Minced tilapia

Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels. Using a sharp knife, finely mince the fillets on a cutting board until the texture is paste-like but still slightly chunky (alternatively pulse in a food processor in 3–4 short pulses — do not over-process). Transfer minced fish to a mixing bowl.

Combine fish and seasonings

To the bowl with minced tilapia, add the diced onion, minced jalapeño, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, chopped parsley, lime juice, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix gently with a spoon or spatula until ingredients are evenly distributed. If you want a creamier texture, add the mayonnaise here and fold to combine. If you prefer a firmer mixture for shaping, sprinkle the tablespoon of flour over the mixture and fold in until just incorporated.

Heat pan

Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil and butter. Heat until butter is melted and the oil shimmers but is not smoking (about 1–2 minutes).

Sauté fish mixture

Reduce heat to medium. Add the minced fish mixture to the skillet in an even layer. Using a spatula, press it down slightly. Sauté, stirring and breaking up the mixture into bite-size bits, for 6–8 minutes until the fish is opaque and cooked through and the onions have softened. If moisture accumulates, continue cooking an additional 1–2 minutes to evaporate excess liquid.

Finish and taste

Taste the cooked fish mixture and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lime if needed. Remove from heat. If desired, stir in an extra tablespoon of butter off-heat for sheen and richness.

Transfer the Fish Doulet to a serving bowl or plate. Garnish with additional chopped cilantro or microgreens. Serve hot with lime wedges and toasted baguette slices or warm tortillas for scooping. Leftovers can be chilled in an airtight container for up to 2 days.