Summer Baked Whole Fish

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The best foods are usually the simplest

When it comes to fish and seafood, my preferred approach is to keep it simple.

These gems of the sea are good however way you prepare them. With fish in general, the added flavours that bring out its goodness are simply these: a bit of acidity, lemon pairs very well and brings out the flavours of the ocean. Herbs go very well with fish and add an appetising aroma to the whole dish. I love coriander with fish and seafood, always my personal choice. Parsley is also very good. Dill brings out the flavours of oily fish such as salmon, tuna, trouts…etc and garlic is just perfect with fish. You will need a bit of oil to keep the fish moist and add depth to the flavour. Olive oil is very healthy, and works very well with fish, it is always my oil of choice. For variation/an Asian impression try sesame or peanut oil. That is about it really. Anything else is just an added extra. However, less is more with fish as you don’t want to mask its original and unique flavour.

This recipe is simple, and very easy to prepare.

Best of all, this recipe is super healthy, and is a good option if you are trying to keep it light, healthy and filling. Light food is optimal during the hot summer days, the last thing you want is heavy rich foods that will leave you feeling extra full and heavy. With that said, I like to place herbs and lemon slices at the bottom of the baking dish and place the fish on top. This elevates the fish allowing room for the aromatic steam to cook it to a flavourful perfection.

Ingredients

Serves: 4
  • 4 whole medium sized fish, (sea bass, sea bream, kingfish…)
  • 2 large lemons, sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, sliced thinly
  • 4 bay leaves
  • 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh coriander
  • 1 tbsp DS Premium Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil

For the marinade

  • 1 tbsp DS Organic Green Shatta (optional for spicy)
  • 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh coriander
  • 1 tbsp DS Premium Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1 tbsp DS Almond Butter
  • juice of 1 lemon
  • DS Pink Himalayan Salt to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp DS Fish & Seafood Spice Mix

Start by cleaning your fresh whole fish (watch the video above), rinse with cold water and pat dry.

Prepare the marinade, by mixing all its ingredients together in a bowl.

Score the fish horizontally on both sides, then coat with the marinade. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Place a slice or two of lemon inside the cavity of each fish, top with chopped coriander, 1 bay leaf, and some garlic slices.

Drizzle some olive oil at the bottom of your baking dish. Sprinkle with sea salt, black pepper and top with lemon slices. Sprinkle all with chopped coriander, and sliced garlic. Place the prepared fish on top of the lemon wedges and sprinkle with the remaining herbs and garlic. Season with salt & black pepper, drizzle lightly with olive oil.

Bake in 350F-180C oven for 35 minutes. When done the flesh should flake easily. Broil for 2-4 minutes to slightly brown.

Serve alongside oven roasted potatoes, and sauteed vegetables or a leafy green salad on the side.

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