Whole Roasted Fish with Lemon and Herbs
Ingredients:
- 2 whole fish (such as sea bass, snapper, or trout), cleaned and scaled
- 2 lemons, sliced into thin rounds (some for garnish, some for stuffing)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Paprika (optional, for extra color)
Instructions:
Preheat the oven or grill: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or prepare your grill for medium-high heat.
Prepare the fish: Rinse and pat the fish dry with paper towels. Make 3-4 diagonal cuts on each side of the fish to allow flavors to penetrate.
Season the fish: Rub the fish inside and out with olive oil. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and paprika (if using) evenly on both sides.
Stuff the fish: Insert lemon slices and minced garlic into the fish's cavity. You can also add sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary for extra flavor.
Roast or grill the fish: Place the fish on a baking sheet (if using the oven) or directly on the grill. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through if grilling, or until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Garnish and serve: Once cooked, remove the fish from the oven or grill. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional lemon slices. Serve immediately.