Whole Baked Fish is an effortless yet impressive way to prepare fish, ensuring juicy and tender flesh. In this recipe, we’re using snapper, but it works with any round fish. Cooking a whole fish not only enhances its flavor but also keeps it moist. The fish is stuffed with garlic, dill, parsley, and lemon for a refreshing aroma, then baked to perfection with a simple garlic-dill butter sauce on the side. A fantastic dish for both casual meals and special occasions!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Fish:

• 2 x 800g (1.6 lb) whole snapper (scaled, gutted, and cleaned)

• 1 ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

For the Stuffing:

• ½ cup fresh dill sprigs (packed)

• ½ cup parsley leaves (packed)

• 4 garlic cloves, finely sliced

• 1 lemon, sliced (8 slices)

For the Garlic & Dill Butter Sauce (Optional):

• 150g (10 tbsp) unsalted butter, cubed

• 2 tsp garlic, finely minced

• 1 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 220°C (430°F or 200°C fan). Line a tray with parchment paper.

2. Prepare the Fish:

   • Trim fins with scissors (optional for presentation).

   • Slash the flesh: Cut 3 diagonal slashes on each side of the fish to help it cook evenly.

   • Stuff the Fish: Season the fish cavity with salt and pepper, and stuff with garlic slices, parsley, dill, and lemon slices.

3. Tie the Fish: Using kitchen string, tie the fish at intervals to hold it together (optional but helps with flavor infusion).

4. Season the Fish: Drizzle the fish with olive oil, rubbing it into the slashes and on both sides.

5. Bake for 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 55°C (131°F) for medium. You can check by gently prying the flesh away from the spine; it should flake easily when done.

6. Rest the Fish for 5 minutes. The internal temperature will rise to 58°C (136.5°F).

7. Make the Garlic & Dill Butter Sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then stir in dill.

8. Serve the fish with the garlic-dill butter sauce on the side. Optionally, garnish with more fresh herbs and lemon wedges.

Nutrients (Per Serving)

• Calories: 569 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 5g

• Protein: 42g

• Fat: 42g

• Saturated Fat: 22g

• Cholesterol: 160mg

• Sodium: 1014mg

• Potassium: 988mg

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 1g

• Vitamin A: 2312 IU

• Vitamin C: 34mg

• Calcium: 113mg

• Iron: 2mg

Why Cook a Whole Fish?

Cooking a whole fish has several benefits. First, it helps retain the moisture in the flesh, ensuring that the meat remains juicy and flavorful. The bones of the fish also help to keep the fish intact, making it easier to serve while maintaining its natural shape. Additionally, cooking the fish whole allows the flavors of the herbs and seasonings to penetrate the flesh, resulting in a more aromatic and flavorful dish.

The presentation of a whole baked fish is also striking. It’s an elegant way to serve fish, perfect for impressing guests at dinner parties or special occasions. The fish’s skin crisps up beautifully during baking, adding a satisfying texture that complements the tender meat inside.

The Aromatic Stuffing: Garlic, Dill, Parsley, and Lemon

The stuffing is what takes this dish from simple to extraordinary. A mixture of garlic, fresh dill, parsley, and lemon slices is placed inside the fish’s cavity, infusing the flesh with fragrant and refreshing flavors. The garlic adds a rich, savory note, while the dill provides an herbal aroma that complements the mild taste of the fish. Fresh parsley adds a bit of brightness, and the lemon slices impart a subtle citrusy tang that cuts through the richness of the fish.

The lemon slices not only provide flavor but also help to keep the fish moist as it bakes. As the fish cooks, the lemon releases its juices, which drip into the flesh, ensuring that each bite is succulent and tender. The combination of these fresh ingredients creates a symphony of flavors that elevate the dish.

The Simple and Effective Cooking Method

Baking the fish is easy and doesn’t require a lot of hands-on effort. After preparing the fish by trimming the fins and making a few slashes on each side, it’s ready to be stuffed with the herb and lemon mixture. Drizzling the fish with olive oil helps to crisp up the skin while also adding a rich, savory element to the flavor.

Baking the fish at a high temperature of 220°C (430°F) ensures that the fish cooks quickly and evenly. It’s important to check the internal temperature to make sure the fish is cooked to perfection. For medium doneness, the internal temperature should reach 55°C (131°F), and once removed from the oven, the temperature will rise slightly to 58°C (136.5°F). This ensures that the fish is tender, juicy, and flakes easily when gently pried apart from the spine.

The Garlic & Dill Butter Sauce: The Perfect Finishing Touch

While the fish itself is already bursting with flavor, the garlic and dill butter sauce takes it to the next level. The sauce is simple to make, requiring just butter, garlic, and dill. As the butter melts in a saucepan, the garlic is sautéed until fragrant, releasing its aromatic oils. The fresh dill is then stirred in, adding a bright, herbaceous note that complements the fish beautifully.

This sauce is served on the side, allowing each diner to drizzle it over the fish as desired. The rich, buttery sauce adds an extra layer of flavor and enhances the natural taste of the fish. The combination of the crispy fish skin, tender flesh, and luscious garlic-dill butter is a match made in culinary heaven.

Serving the Whole Baked Fish

To serve, the fish can be brought to the table whole for dramatic presentation, and each person can help themselves to a portion. It’s ideal to serve the fish with the garlic-dill butter sauce on the side, allowing guests to add as much or as little as they like. The sauce can also be poured directly over the fish for a more indulgent experience.

For sides, consider serving the baked fish with a light salad, roasted vegetables, or steamed asparagus. A simple potato dish, such as mashed potatoes or roasted baby potatoes, would also pair wonderfully with the richness of the fish and butter sauce. For an extra touch, garnish the fish with fresh herbs and lemon wedges for added freshness and color.

Nutritional Benefits of Whole Baked Fish

Whole Baked Fish is not only delicious but also nutritious. It’s a great source of lean protein, with approximately 42 grams of protein per serving. The fish is also rich in healthy fats, including omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health. The garlic and dill butter sauce adds flavor without overwhelming the dish, and it provides healthy fats from the unsalted butter.

The dish is relatively low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for low-carb or keto diets. It also provides a good amount of essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron. The fresh herbs and lemon slices add additional vitamins and antioxidants, making the dish a well-rounded and healthful option.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Whole Baked Fish is a simple yet impressive dish that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender fish, aromatic garlic, dill, parsley, and lemon, along with the rich garlic-dill butter sauce, creates a delightful and satisfying meal. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner, a holiday meal, or a special gathering with friends and family, this dish is sure to impress. Its light, fresh flavors and elegant presentation make it a go-to choice for seafood lovers, and it’s a recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.