Cooking a whole fish is actually incredibly simple and easy. Grilling whole fish: When you're ready to step up to grilling a whole fish (like trout, snapper, sea bass), stuff it with herbs and citrus and tie it closed with butcher's twine. Plus, it's usually cheaper, even after you've accounted for the weight of the bones and head. It turns out, though, that cooking whole fish is a breeze, and only slightly more messy than cooking a fillet. Third, you can gently press the fish's flesh to see how well it springs back—if you leave a dent that doesn't recover at all, move along. How to Grill Fish and Seafood Start with a scaled and gutted fish that has had the gills cut out. Coat the fish with olive oil and season it to taste with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Ever wondered how to cook a whole fish? While your grill … I like to grill fish whole because, with the skin and head intact, they look so dramatic, and the skin keeps the fish moist and seals in the flavor. First, you need to slash the fish on both sides every three inches or so. This helps the whole fish cook evenly. Learning how to cook fish at home can be incredibly intimidating. By skipping this step, the thickest part of the meat would still be raw when the tail end might already be overcooked. If … concerned about cooking whole fish. This post may contain affiliate links. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire roasting rack on it to keep the fish elevated during cooking. The beauty of cooking whole fish is that it's one of the easiest things to do in the world. And most recipes don’t require flipping the fish, so it’s a good technique for very large fish or for anyone who’s hesitant about their turning skills. Don’t be intimidated — … Maybe even a lump in the throat. There was swearing and a little dance of frustration. Coat the fish with olive oil and season it to taste with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. A whole fish hot off the grill—with its tempting crisp skin and juicy, tender meat—is one of my favorite foods, both to cook and to eat. It's also one of the best ways of guaranteeing you get a fresh fish, since the signs of freshness are much more apparent on a whole fish than they are on a fillet. Grill the fish over moderately high heat, uncovered, until lightly charred and it releases easily from the grate, 10 minutes. It’s the presentation of whole fish in cook books which makes it appear to be a difficult recipe to master, but nothing could be further from the truth. concerned about cooking whole fish. Cooking fish in foil helps to ensure that it does not dry out, as the moisture is sealed inside with the fish. You want to pull your fish out and let it sit on the counter for 20 minutes or so, just like when cooking a steak, while you are heating the grilled and prepping lemons and garlic.