DoorToShop is a multi-merchant marketplace where shoppers can buy from local New Zealand stores. Donkey is a dry rub sold in a 100g resealable pouch by MeatHeads NZ, a maker in Hobsonville, Auckland, and the seller describes it as a seasoning for fish and seafood including salmon, snapper and shellfish. Seasoning fish differs from seasoning meat mainly in timing and quantity. Salt draws moisture out of a fish fillet immediately and there is little thickness for it to work on, so fish should be seasoned within about fifteen minutes of cooking, and ideally just before it goes into the pan; a fillet left seasoned for hours is being cured rather than seasoned. The quantity should be roughly half what the same weight of meat would take, applied to one side rather than both, because on a thin fillet seasoning both faces effectively doubles the dose in each mouthful. Lean white fish such as snapper, terakihi and gurnard is delicate and easily overwhelmed; oily fish such as salmon, kahawai and kingfish carries a heavier hand. On skin-on fillets the flesh side is seasoned properly while the skin side is kept dry and only lightly seasoned, because moisture between skin and pan produces steam and prevents crisping. Prawns and shellfish are almost entirely surface, take seasoning very quickly, and are best tossed in a bowl with a small amount. To cook a seasoned fillet, dry it thoroughly on both sides, heat the pan properly before the fish touches it, place it skin side down and press it flat for around ten seconds so the contracting skin stays in contact, then leave it undisturbed until it releases by itself: a fillet that will not turn has not finished forming its crust. It should be taken off while the centre still looks slightly underdone, since it continues cooking off the heat. Sticking is caused by a wet fillet or an insufficiently hot pan. Acid such as lemon added at the end lifts a seasoned fillet without adding to the salt. Merchants dispatch the next business day and courier delivery takes 1 to 3 business days; free delivery applies above $69, and there is no minimum order value. Returns are handled by the store that sold the item and the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 applies.

Donkey Fish and Seafood Rub

Donkey, 100g resealable pouch — a dry rub for fish and seafood, from a Hobsonville maker and couriered anywhere in Auckland.

Donkey

$8.49

Sold by MeatHeads NZ

"Donkey 100g resealable pouch is the perfect seasoning for fish and seafood dishes. This gluten-free, MSG-free rub combines natural spices to enhance the delicate flavours of grilled, baked, or pan-seared fish. Whether you’re preparing salmon, snapper, or shellfish, Donkey adds a zesty, savory touch to every bite. The resealable pouch ensures freshness, so you’re always ready to elevate your seafood creations!"

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Where to Buy It

This pouch is listed by MeatHeads NZ on DoorToShop, and it is the blend that distinguishes the Gone Fishing and Fish 'n Chips packs. Our guide to meat and BBQ rubs in Auckland covers the whole range, and the wider Groceries category has other local stores you can add to the same order.

Delivery is free on orders above $69, and there is no minimum order value. Enter your postcode at checkout to confirm delivery coverage for your address, or read how DoorToShop works.

Frequently Asked Questions: Fish Rub

What is Donkey for?

Fish and seafood. The seller describes it as a seasoning for grilled, baked or pan-seared fish, naming salmon, snapper and shellfish. As with the rest of this range it is aimed at one thing rather than confined to it.

How long before cooking should I season fish?

Minutes. Fifteen at the outside, and just before it goes in the pan is better. Salt draws moisture out of a fillet immediately and there is very little fillet to draw from — leave a seasoned fillet for hours and you are curing it rather than seasoning it.

How much should I use on a fillet?

Roughly half what you would use on a piece of meat the same size, and on one side rather than both. White fish especially is easy to bury. Add at the table if it needs more.

Why does my fish stick to the pan?

Almost always one of two things: the fillet was wet, or the pan was not hot enough when it went in. Dry it thoroughly, get the pan properly hot first, and then leave it alone — fish releases itself when a crust has formed, and a fillet that will not turn is a fillet that is not ready.

Should I season the skin?

Lightly and dry, if at all. Anything damp between skin and pan produces steam, and steam is what stops skin crisping. Season the flesh side properly and keep the skin side dry, then press the fillet flat for the first ten seconds so the skin stays in contact.

Does it work on prawns and shellfish?

Yes, and they need the least of anything. Toss them in a bowl with a small amount rather than sprinkling — they are almost entirely surface and take seasoning very quickly.

Can I use this on the barbecue?

Yes, though fish on a grill is a different problem from seasoning. A hot, clean, well-oiled grate, and a fillet left alone until it releases, matters far more than the rub does.

Can I use it on chips as well?

Nothing stops you — it is a dry seasoning. Toss hot chips in a bowl with a small pinch straight out of the fryer or oven, while the surface is still able to hold it.

What is in it, and is it suitable if I avoid something?

The ingredient and allergen statement printed on the pack is the only answer to that, and it is the maker's to give. This listing does not publish an ingredient list, and anything the seller's own description says about what the blend contains or is free of is their statement rather than ours. If you are avoiding an allergen, read the pack and ask the maker if anything is unclear.

How fast is delivery?

Orders are dispatched by the store the next business day and typically arrive within 1 to 3 business days by courier. Enter your address at checkout to confirm delivery coverage for your address.

How much does delivery cost?

Free delivery applies on orders above $69 in the Auckland region — the delivery fee is confirmed at checkout. There is no minimum order value.

What if it arrives damaged?

Photograph it as it arrived and contact the store the same day. Returns are handled by the store that sold the item, and nothing in a store's policy limits your rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993.