Whole Grilled Fish
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Ingredients
For the Sauce
- 5 ounces oil-cured olives, pitted (about 1 cup)
- 1/2 cup (120 g) Kalamata olives, pitted
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 medium cloves garlic
- 2 whole peeled plum tomatoes from a can, minced
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh oregano
- Freshly ground black pepper
For the Fish
- 4 (1-pound; 450g) whole white-fleshed fish, such as sea bass, branzino, or porgy, scaled and gutted
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Lemon slices, peeled garlic cloves, peeled ginger slices, fresh oregano sprigs, and fresh parsley sprigs, for stuffing
- Extra virgin olive oil, for rubbing and drizzling
- Minced parsley, for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- 1
For the Sauce - In a food processor, combine both types of olives, olive oil, and garlic and process to form a coarse paste. Stir in tomatoes and oregano and season with black pepper. Set aside.
- 2
For the Fish - About 30 minutes before grilling, remove fish from refrigerator and let come to room temperature. Light 1 chimney full of charcoal. When all charcoal is lit and covered with gray ash, pour out and arrange coals on one side of charcoal grate. Set cooking grate in place, cover grill, and allow to preheat for 5 minutes. Clean and oil grilling grate.
- 3
For the Fish - Thoroughly pat fish dry with paper towels. Season inside and out with salt and pepper. Stuff fish cavities with lemon, garlic, ginger, and herbs. Rub fish all over with olive oil.
- 4
For the Fish - Set fish over hot side of grill and cook until bottom sides are browned, about 5 minutes. Using a carving fork, insert tines between grill grate and under fish. Carefully attempt to lift fish from below; if it resists, allow to cook for 1 more minute and try again. When fish lifts easily from grill, turn onto other side and cook until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part registers 135°F (57°C), about 5 minutes longer; if skin begins to char before fish is cooked through, transfer fish to cooler side of grill to finish cooking. Let rest 5 minutes.
- 5
For the Fish - Carve fish and transfer fillets to a plate. Top with olive compote and minced parsley. Serve with lemon wedges.
