12 Days of Recipes: Whole Roasted Daurade

PREPARATION

Step 1

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C), ensuring it’s fully heated before the fish goes in.

Step 2

Prepare the Fish: Rinse the daurade and pat dry. Gently score the sides of the fish to help infuse flavors.

Step 3

Stuff the Fish: Stuff the cavity with sprigs of parsley, thyme, and a few lemon slices. Tuck in garlic slices for an added aromatic boost.

Step 4

Season Dramatically: Rub the fish generously with olive oil, coating all sides. Place it on an oven-safe dish or tray lined with parchment paper. Then, with a dramatic flourish, sprinkle coarse sea salt and freshly ground black pepper over the fish, channeling your inner Salt Bae.

Step 5

Arrange Garnishes: Place additional lemon slices around the fish for a burst of flavor and visual appeal. Add fresh herb sprigs around the fish for a pop of green.

Step 6

Roast: Place the fish in the oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. If the skin starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover it with foil.

Step 7

Serve in Style: Carefully transfer the fish to a serving platter. Arrange with fresh herbs and charred lemon slices around the fish for that finishing touch. Give the fish one final, dramatic sprinkle of coarse salt before serving.