How to Cook a Fish at Home

Ingredients

• 1.5 lb Whole Fish (such as sea bass or snapper) (scaled, gutted, fins trimmed)
• 4 Tbsp Unsalted Butter (cold, sliced thin like rocks)
• 1 Lemon (thinly sliced; extra slices for garnish)
• 3 Garlic Cloves (minced)
• 1 tsp Cajun Seasoning
• 1 Tbsp Fresh Parsley (chopped)
• 1 tsp Fresh Thyme (leaves stripped)
• 1/2 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
• 1 tsp Kosher Salt

Instructions

1. Prepare the Fish

   Place the whole fish in a baking dish. Using kitchen scissors, clip off the small wing‑like fins, then use the knife to cut three deep slits along each side of the body cavity to allow seasoning to penetrate.

   Time: PT5M

2. Slice Lemon and Butter

   Thinly slice the lemon (about 1/8‑inch thick) and slice the cold butter into similarly thin pieces, resembling small rocks.

   Time: PT5M

3. Stuff the Fish

   Inside the cavity, layer butter slices, lemon slices, and minced garlic. Distribute the mixture evenly, then brush a few butter‑lemon pieces onto the skin on both sides.

   Time: PT5M

4. Season the Fish

   Season the outside and inside of the fish with Cajun seasoning, black pepper, salt, chopped parsley, and thyme. Make sure to rub the spices into the slits.

   Time: PT3M

5. First Roast

   Preheat the oven to 425°F. Place the baking dish on the middle rack and roast the fish for 20 minutes.

   Time: PT20M

   Temperature: 425°F

6. Flip and Finish

   Using a large spatula, carefully flip the fish over, then return to the oven for another 20 minutes until the skin is golden and the flesh flakes easily.

   Time: PT20M

   Temperature: 425°F

Nutrition Facts

Calories

350

Protein

30g

Carbohydrates

5g

Fat

20g

Fiber

0g