Cook Whole Fish Recipe

When contemplating the humble yet glorious whole fish, think about what complements it best. Begin with a bright, zesty salad alongside it. Something like a classic Italian pasta salad, bursting with colorful veggies and a refreshing dressing can balance the fish's rich flavors beautifully.

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Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 20

Total Time: 30

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: western

Keyword: Cook Whole Fish Recipe

Servings:

Calories: 266kcal

Equipment

Preheated oven
Mixing bowl

Ingredients

Fish:

2 whole snapper about 800 g / 1.6 lb each, scaled, gutted, and cleaned
1 tsp lemon zest to brighten the flavors
½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
2 tbsp high-quality extra-virgin olive oil
1½ tsp coarse kosher salt steer clear of fine table salt

Stuffing:

4 garlic cloves thinly sliced
1 lemon cut into 8 thin rounds
2 tbsp thinly sliced green onion a mild flavor boost
½ cup fresh dill fronds lightly packed
½ cup flat-leaf parsley leaves lightly packed

Dill-Garlic Butter:

1 tbsp finely chopped fresh dill
150 g / 10 tbsp unsalted butter cubed and slightly softened
2 tsp garlic finely minced

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Fish

Rinse your fish under cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels. A dry surface ensures nice browning during cooking. Then, make three slashes on each side of the fish. This helps the seasoning penetrate more effectively.

Step 2: Season Generously

Now, place the fish on a large cutting board. Rub the outside of the fish with olive oil, and sprinkle both the inside and outside with salt and pepper. Remember the acidity from lemon zest? You’ll want to sprinkle it on the surface as well.

Step 3: Stuff the Fish

Insert the sliced garlic, lemon rounds, green onion, dill, and parsley into the cavity of each fish. This infusion will elevate the flavor while cooking.

Step 4: Create the Dill-Garlic Butter

In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with chopped dill and minced garlic. Once combined, spread this mixture over the stuffed fish, ensuring it evenly coats the flesh.

Step 5: Cook the Fish

Now it’s time to get cooking! You can opt for various methods: grill, roast, or pan-sear. Place the fish on a grill or baking dish and cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-30 minutes, depending on the size. You want the flesh to be opaque and flake easily with a fork.

Step 6: Serve with Intention

Once finished, remove the fish from the grill or oven. A burst of fragrant aroma fills your kitchen. Remove the stuffing and serve the fish on a platter. Garnish with extra herbs and lemon slices for an appealing presentation.

Notes

Choose Fresh Fish: Freshness is your best friend when it comes to cooking whole fish. Check for bright eyes, clear skin, and a mild ocean aroma.
Keep it Simple: Let the quality of your fish shine. Over-seasoning can mask its natural flavor.
Use a Meat Thermometer: To be sure it's cooked through, check that thickest part of the fish reaches 145°F (63°C).
Avoid Overcooking: Fish cooks quickly. Keep an eye on the timing to ensure it remains tender and moist.
Experiment with Botanicals: You can play around with the stuffing. Consider using fennel, thyme, or even citrus fruits based on your cravings.

Nutrition

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