Mustard Free Mediterranean Whole Roasted Fish with Herbs and Lemon
Whole roasted fish is one of those showstopper meals that looks far more impressive than the effort it actually takes. Two whole fish — branzino, sea bass, or red snapper all work beautifully — get stuffed with lemon rounds, fresh thyme, rosemary, garlic, and parsley before roasting on a bed of fennel and zucchini until the skin crisps and the flesh turns perfectly flaky. The aromatics perfume the fish from the inside out, and the vegetables underneath soak up all those herby, citrusy juices as everything roasts together on a single sheet pan. For anyone navigating a mustard sensitivity, this kind of recipe is a genuine relief. Mediterranean cooking leans on olive oil, fresh herbs, and lemon — none of the condiments or marinades that so often sneak mustard into an otherwise simple dish. Every ingredient here is straightforward and easy to verify, so there's no label-reading anxiety, just confident, clean cooking. The diagonal slashes cut into each fish aren't just for looks — they help the seasoning penetrate and ensure even cooking all the way through. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon and a scatter of parsley, and dinner is genuinely stunning.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 2 whole fish (about 1.5 lb each), such as branzino, sea bass, or red snapper, scaled and gutted
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 1 tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp black pepper, freshly ground
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced into rounds
- 6 sprigs fresh thyme
- 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
- ¼ cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- 1 medium fennel bulb, cored and thinly sliced
- ½ tsp dried oregano
For serving
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges, for serving
- 2 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss the zucchini and fennel with 1 tbsp of the olive oil, the dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper on a large rimmed baking sheet, then spread them into an even layer.
- 2
Pat the fish completely dry inside and out with paper towels. Using a sharp knife, cut 3 diagonal slashes about 1/2 inch deep through the thickest part of each fish on both sides — this helps the fish cook evenly and allows the seasoning to penetrate.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!