Xanthan Gum Free Mediterranean Whole Roasted Fish with Herbs and Lemon
Whole roasted fish is one of those showstopper meals that looks far more complicated than it actually is, and this Mediterranean version delivers on every level. Branzino, sea bass, or red snapper get stuffed with lemon rounds, fresh thyme, rosemary, garlic, and parsley before hitting a hot oven alongside fennel and zucchini — the result is fragrant, juicy, and deeply savory. Because the entire dish is built from whole, unprocessed ingredients like olive oil, fresh herbs, and vegetables, there are no hidden additives or stabilizers to worry about, making it a genuinely clean and straightforward cook. The diagonal slashes cut into each fish aren't just for looks — they help the seasoning penetrate and ensure the flesh cooks evenly all the way through. Roasting everything on a single baking sheet means the vegetables soak up the herby, citrusy drippings from the fish, turning tender and caramelized right alongside it. A squeeze of fresh lemon at the table ties it all together and makes the whole dish taste bright and alive. This is the kind of recipe that earns serious compliments with minimal effort.
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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.
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