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Grilled Whole Fish

A succulent whole fish stuffed with lemon and herbs, grilled to perfection and served with extra-virgin olive oil and lemon wedges.

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Pixicook editorial team

A succulent whole fish stuffed with lemon and herbs, grilled to perfection and served with extra-virgin olive oil and lemon wedges.

Ingredients for Grilled Whole Fish

units in
USchevron
serves
4 peoplechevron

Whole Fish, scaled and gutted

0 lb

Salt

to taste

Lemon Slices, sliced

each

Fennel Fronds, whole

0 oz

Olive Oil, for rubbing

tablespoons

Lemon Wedges, for serving

each

Extra Virgin Olive Oil, for serving

tablespoons

How to Make Grilled Whole Fish

1. Prepare the Fish

Have your fishmonger scale and gut the fish, trimming the tail and fins.

2. Season the Fish

Season the fish generously inside and out with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

3. Stuff the Fish

Stuff the cavity of the fish with lemon slices and a large handful of fennel fronds.

4. Rub with Olive Oil

Rub the outside of the fish with olive oil and let it sit for an hour.

5. Prepare the Grill

Preheat the grill to a medium fire, then clean the grates with an oiled towel.

6. Grill the Fish

Place the fish on the grill and turn it as needed, cooking for approximately 10 minutes per inch of thickness. The fish is done when the flesh separates easily from the bones and is still moist.

7. Serve the Fish

Remove the fish from the grill and serve with lemon wedges and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil.

Variations

Asian-Style Grilled Fish

Marinating in soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic, adding scallions and cilantro to the cavity, and serving with ponzu or soy-based dipping sauce.

Mediterranean-Style Grilled Fish

Adding cherry tomatoes, olives, capers, and a splash of white wine or balsamic vinegar, and swapping herbs for oregano and basil.

Mediterranean Touch

Incorporating Mediterranean flavors with fresh rosemary, thyme, and oregano, and topping the grilled fish with an olive & tomato relish, accompanied by a side of roasted vegetables.

Lemon-Herb Grilled Fish

Focusing on lemon flavors with zest and juice, packing the cavity with parsley, dill, and lemon slices, and finishing with lemon butter sauce.

Asian Fusion Flair

Introducing an Asian-inspired marinade with soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and honey or mirin, using cilantro and Thai basil, and topping with a salad of scallions, red chilies, and daikon radish.

Pitfalls and tips

Choosing the Right Fish

Opt for fresh, whole fish such as snapper, sea bream, or trout with clear, bright eyes and red gills, signs of freshness.

Herb Stuffing

Use a mix of fresh herbs like parsley, dill, thyme, and oregano. Add thinly sliced lemon and garlic inside the fish for aromatic moisture.

Grilling Technique

Preheat grill to medium-high heat, ensure grates are clean and well-oiled, or use oiled foil to prevent sticking.

Fish Preparation

Clean and pat dry the fish, score the flesh every couple of inches for even cooking and flavor infusion.

Doneness

Check with a skewer for ease of insertion in the thickest part, or use a thermometer for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

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