Description
Whole Roasted Fish with Herbs and Lemon is an elegant main dish featuring a tender, flaky fish infused with aromatic garlic, rosemary, thyme, and bright lemon. This easy whole fish recipe is perfect for dinner parties, holidays, or any special occasion that calls for bold flavor and beautiful presentation.
Ingredients
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1 whole large fish (such as red snapper or sea bass), about 3-4 pounds, scaled and gutted
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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2 teaspoons kosher salt
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1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
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1 lemon, thinly sliced
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4 sprigs fresh rosemary
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4 sprigs fresh thyme
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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Optional: additional fresh herbs like parsley or dill, for garnish
Instructions
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Prepare the Fish:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Rinse the fish well and pat dry with paper towels. Make 3 diagonal slashes on each side of the fish, about 1 inch deep. -
Season the Fish:
Rub the fish all over with olive oil. Generously season the inside and outside with kosher salt and black pepper, including into the slashes. -
Stuff the Cavity:
Fill the fish cavity with lemon slices, rosemary, thyme, and minced garlic. -
Roast the Fish:
Place the fish on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a roasting pan. Roast for 30–35 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) and the flesh flakes easily with a fork. -
Serve:
Transfer to a large serving platter. Garnish with extra lemon slices and herbs if desired. Serve with sides like roasted vegetables, salad, or crusty bread.
Notes
For a crispier skin, finish under the broiler for the last 2–3 minutes of roasting. This dish pairs beautifully with a chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasted
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
