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Roasted Whole Fish with Herb-Ginger Marinade Recipe

4.9 from 65 reviews

This Roasted Whole Fish recipe offers a flavorful and aromatic dish featuring a perfectly marinated whole fish grilled to crispy perfection in the oven. The marinade combines fresh ginger, garlic, bell pepper, herbs, and spices with olive oil to deeply infuse the fish, while the cooking method ensures tender, juicy meat with a crispy skin, ideal for a nutritious and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Fish and Marinade

  • 1 whole fish (gutted & cleaned)
  • ½ thumb-size piece of ginger
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 1 medium bell pepper (cut into 2” cubes)
  • 2 sprigs parsley (chopped)
  • 1 small onion (thinly sliced)
  • 2 sprigs green onion (cut into 2” slices)
  • 1 cup olive oil
  • 2 tsp Knorr seasoning (or any seasoning powder)
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 1 tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In the bowl of a food processor, combine ginger, bell pepper, parsley, green onion, and onion and blend until a consistent puree forms. Transfer this mixture into a medium bowl and add 1 cup of olive oil. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
  2. Add Seasonings: Mix in Knorr seasoning, paprika, black pepper, oregano, and salt into the marinade base, stirring thoroughly with a spoon to evenly distribute the spices.
  3. Prepare the Fish: Pat the whole fish dry using paper towels. Make diagonal slits on both sides of the fish spaced about 1 inch apart. These slits help the marinade penetrate and cook evenly.
  4. Marinate the Fish: Apply the marinade generously to both sides of the fish, rubbing gently to ensure the marinade goes inside the slits for deeper flavor absorption.
  5. Marination Rest: Place the fish on a grill tray, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 1 hour to allow the flavors to infuse the fish.
  6. Preheat the Oven: Ten minutes before the marination time is up, preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) to prepare for roasting.
  7. Final Marinade and Oil Spray: After removing the fish from the refrigerator, apply a little more marinade on it. Spray the fish lightly with oil to help achieve a crispy skin during cooking.
  8. Simmer the Remaining Marinade: Pour the leftover marinade into a skillet over medium heat and stir continuously for about 5 minutes until it is fully cooked and slightly thickened.
  9. Roast the Fish: Put the fish in the preheated oven and broil or grill for 10-15 minutes on one side. Flip the fish and continue to grill or broil for another 10-15 minutes. During the cooking process, baste the fish with the cooked marinade every 4 to 5 minutes to maximize flavor and moisture.
  10. Serve: Once cooked through, remove the fish from the oven and serve it hot alongside onion wedges, lemon slices, or your choice of side dishes for a delightful meal.

Notes

  • Ensure the fish is gutted and cleaned properly before marinating.
  • Adjust seasoning according to fish size and personal taste.
  • Use a sturdy oven-safe grill tray or broiler pan to prevent sticking and allow even cooking.
  • Basting with marinade during cooking keeps the fish moist and flavorful.
  • Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the size and thickness of the fish.
  • Serve immediately after cooking for best texture and flavor.

Keywords: Roasted whole fish, grilled fish, baked fish recipe, Mediterranean fish dish, healthy fish recipe, seafood dinner, marinated fish, paprika fish, oven-roasted fish