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Sizzle & Shine: Broiled Whole Fish in 30 Minutes

This broiled whole fish recipe delivers crispy skin, juicy flesh, and restaurant-worthy flavour in just 30 minutes. Easy, healthy, and perfect for a special occasion!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine New Zealand, Australia
Servings 4 Serves
Calories 123 kcal

Equipment

  • Oven grill/broiler
  • Broiler pan
  • Sharp knife
  • Foil
  • Paper towels
  • Meat thermometer (optional)

Ingredients
  

  • 1 whole fish about 1 kilo, cleaned and scaled (recommend snapper,barramundi, sea bass, or branzino)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • ½ bunch fresh herbs thyme, rosemary, or parsley, chopped (optional)
  • Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions
 

  • Prep the fish: Preheat your broiler to high. Rinse the fish and pat it dry with paper towels. Score the skin lightly in a few places with a sharp knife.
  • Season it up: Drizzle the fish with olive oil and lemon juice. Generously season with salt, pepper, and garlic. Stuff the cavity with herbs if desired.
  • Broil to perfection: Place the fish on a broiler pan lined with foil. Broil for 6-8 minutes per 2.5cm (1 inch) of thickness, turning halfway through. Check for doneness by gently inserting a fork into the thickest part of the flesh. It should flake easily when cooked through.
  • Rest and serve: Transfer the fish to a serving platter and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh herbs. Dig in and savour the crispy skin and succulent flesh!

Notes

Tips:
  1. Use a fishmonger to clean and scale your fish if needed.
  2. Preheat your broiler thoroughly for even cooking and crispy skin.
  3. Don't overcook the fish! Use a meat thermometer to ensure an internal temperature of 63°C (145°F).
  4. Get creative with seasonings! Experiment with spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, or dried herbs.

Serving Suggestions:

  1. Pair your broiled fish with roasted vegetables, rice pilaf, or mashed potatoes.
  2. Drizzle with a simple lemon-butter sauce for an extra touch of elegance.
  3. For a Mediterranean twist, serve with a side of tzatziki or a tomato-cucumber salad.

Conclusion:

Broiling whole fish is an effortless way to create a restaurant-worthy meal at home.
With its crispy skin, melt-in-your-mouth flesh, and endless flavour possibilities, this recipe is sure to become a new favourite.
So, don't be intimidated – grab your whole fish and get ready to broil your way to seafood stardom!
Keyword broil, broiled whole fish