How to Cook Fish: Cooking a Fish Whole

Cooking a fish whole might seem like a daunting task, but it’s much easier than you think!

Whether you’re looking for an impressive dinner party centrepiece, a delicious alternative to a Sunday roast, or even a standout dish for your next BBQ, cooking a fish whole is a fantastic choice.

Not only does it deliver exceptional flavour, but it also offers a beautiful presentation that’s sure to wow your guests.

Why Cook a Whole Fish?

When you cook a whole fish, you preserve all its natural juices and flavours, resulting in moist, tender, and delicious flesh. It’s also a versatile method suitable for various fish types, from flat fish like plaice or brill to round fish such as mackerel or bass. With minimal preparation required, cooking a fish whole is as convenient as it is impressive.

How to Cook Fish - Getting Started

Before diving into the cooking process, you’ll need a fresh whole fish that has been gutted, scaled, and cleaned—our fishmongers will be more than happy to help prepare the fish for you, leaving you to focus on the fun part—the cooking. Once you have your fish, give the cavity a gentle rinse with water and pat it dry.

Roasting a Whole Fish

Roasting is one of the simplest ways of cooking a fish whole and is perfect for both flat and round fish. The high heat caramelizes the exterior while keeping the interior succulent and tender.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to a high temperature, around 230°C (450°F).
2. Prepare the fish: Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Season the fish generously with salt and pepper, both inside and out, and drizzle it with a bit of oil.
3. Cook the fish: Place the fish on the prepared tray and roast it in the hot oven. Cooking times will vary depending on the size of the fish, but as a general rule, round fish like mackerel, brill, or bass will need about 10-12 minutes. Flat fish may require slightly less time.
4. Check for doneness: To ensure your fish is perfectly cooked, cut into the flesh just behind the head. The meat near the bone should appear opaque and flaky. Once ready, remove the fish from the oven and cover it with foil to rest for a few minutes before serving.

Barbecuing a Whole Fish

For a smoky, chargrilled flavour, barbecuing is another fantastic option for cooking a fish whole. Using a fish basket (a hinged rack that holds the fish securely) will make the process easier and help prevent the fish from sticking to the grill or falling apart.

Here’s how to barbecue a whole fish:

1. Prepare the fish: Season your cleaned fish with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of oil. For added flavour, stuff the cavity with fresh herbs, garlic, lemon slices, or other aromatics.
2. Use a fish basket: Place the fish in the basket to keep it intact during grilling. This is especially helpful if you’re working with delicate fish.
3. Grill the fish: Preheat the barbecue to medium-high heat. Place the fish-filled basket on the grill and cook for about 10 minutes per side, depending on the size of the fish. The flesh should be opaque and flake easily when tested with a fork.
4. Serve and enjoy: Pair your barbecued fish with grilled vegetables or a fresh salad for a light and satisfying meal.

Some of our favourite BBQ fish recipes include our Barbecued Whole Brill with Garlic Butter, and our Nduja-Stuffed Trout.

Pro Tips for Success

When preparing fish, freshness is crucial. Look for fish with bright, clear eyes, shiny skin, and a clean, ocean-like smell. These are indicators that the fish is fresh and of good quality.

Because fish cooks quickly, it’s important not to overcook it, as this can result in a dry, less flavourful dish. To prevent this, keep a close eye on the cooking process.

Additionally, there are countless ways to experiment with flavours to enhance the dish. You can stuff the fish cavity with fragrant herbs, citrus slices, or garlic to infuse flavour from the inside, or brush the skin with flavourful marinades like olive oil, butter, or a mixture of spices for a crispy, aromatic finish.

So, next time you’re planning a special meal, consider skipping the fillets and try cooking a fish whole. You’ll be amazed at how simple and rewarding it is to master how to cook fish in its entirety.