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Oven-Roasted Whole Fish with Herb and Spice Marinade Recipe

4.5 from 79 reviews

This Roasted Whole Fish recipe features a flavorful marinade made from fresh ginger, garlic, bell pepper, parsley, and spices, perfectly infusing the fish before being cooked to crispy perfection in the oven. The technique involves marinating, broiling, and basting, resulting in a tender and aromatic fish suitable for a delightful main course.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Marinade

  • ½ thumb-sized piece of ginger
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 1 medium bell pepper, cut into 2” cubes
  • 2 sprigs parsley, chopped
  • 2 sprigs green onion, cut into 2” slices
  • 1 small onion, thinly sliced
  • 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

Main Ingredient

  • 1 whole fish (gutted and cleaned)

For Serving

  • Onion wedges
  • Lemon slices

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade: In the bowl of a food processor, combine ginger, bell pepper, parsley, green onion, and onion. Process until you achieve a consistent puree, then transfer it to a medium bowl. Pour in 1 cup of olive oil and mix thoroughly until well combined.
  2. Add the spices: Stir in the Knorr seasoning, paprika, black pepper, oregano, and salt into the puree mixture. Mix thoroughly using a spoon to ensure even seasoning.
  3. Prepare the fish: Pat the whole fish dry using a paper towel. Using a sharp knife, make diagonal slits about 1 inch apart on both sides of the fish to allow the marinade to penetrate.
  4. Marinate the fish: Apply the marinade generously to both sides of the fish and inside the slits by gently rubbing it in with your hands to ensure full coverage.
  5. Refrigerate: Place the fish on a grill tray, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 1 hour to let the flavors fully develop.
  6. Preheat oven: About 10 minutes before the end of the marinating time, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  7. Apply additional marinade and oil: Remove the fish from the refrigerator and apply more marinade on the fish. Spray the fish lightly with oil spray to help achieve a crispy skin during cooking.
  8. Cook marinade on stove: Pour the remaining marinade into a skillet and heat over medium heat. Stir for about 5 minutes until the marinade is perfectly cooked and thickened.
  9. Roast the fish: Place the fish in the preheated oven on a grill rack or tray. Broil or grill for 10-15 minutes on one side. Flip the fish, then continue grilling or broiling for another 10-15 minutes. During cooking, baste the fish every 4-5 minutes with the cooked marinade for enhanced flavor and moisture.
  10. Serve: Once cooked thoroughly and skin is crispy, remove the fish from the oven. Serve hot accompanied by onion wedges and lemon slices or your preferred side dish.

Notes

  • Ensure the fish is fresh for best flavor and texture.
  • Adjust seasoning quantities to taste if using a different type of seasoning powder.
  • Marinating the fish allows flavors to penetrate and keeps the meat tender during roasting.
  • Use an oil spray to help the fish skin turn crispy without excess oil.
  • Basting during cooking helps keep the fish moist and flavorful.
  • Cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of the fish; use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).

Keywords: roasted whole fish, baked fish recipe, healthy fish dish, oven roasted fish, fish marinade, paprika fish, easy fish recipe