North Sea dab is a sand coloured flatfish that belongs to the plaice family like flounder and plaice. It has dark spots all over its body. The maximum size of the fish is 42 centimetre. When it’s still a juvenile, the eyes of the fish turn to de right side. The dab feeds itself with worms and crustaceans, but also with mollusc, fish and echinoderm. Dab is common in the Wadden and North Sea. Dab is a low-fat and tasty fish, which is very suitable for frying or steaming.

SUSTAINABLE CATCHING

Dab is being caught by means of “twin rigging”. This is a sustainable catching method for plaice. The low speed also ensures that the dab is less stressful when caught. Twin rigging also ensures that undersized fishare not caught and there is almost no by-catch. The rig consists of two nets that are dragged behind the ship. Both nets are connected to each other during fishing. The two nets are being dragged by three fishing lines. Only fish that actually swim is caught and not fish that lay on the bottom. This method of fishing contributes to sustainable fishery, because there is no disturbance of the bottom of the sea.

Preparation:
Fast and simple!
Defrost the dab in the refrigerator. Rinse under cold running water and dap dry. Season the plaice fillets and if desired sprinkle with lemon juice. Dab can also be breaded.

Frying pan
Fry in a little oil or butter for approx. 4-6 minutes. Turn regularly.

Oven:
Wrap the dab fillets in aluminium foil and place in a preheated oven (180-200°) for 12-15 minutes

Grill:
On a preheated grill approx. 4-5 minutes. Turn regularly.