Israeli Stuffed Fish with Herbs and Lemon
A flavorful and aromatic whole fish, stuffed with a vibrant mixture of fresh herbs, lemon, and spices, then baked to perfection. This dish showcases the fresh ingredients common in Israeli cuisine.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 1-pound each Whole Branzino or Snapper(cleaned, with a horizontal pocket slit along one side, or prepared for stuffing)
- 4 tablespoons Olive Oil(plus more for drizzling)
- 2 large Lemons(1 thinly sliced, 1 juiced)
- 0.5 cup Fresh Parsley(chopped)
- 0.25 cup Fresh Dill(chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 0.25 teaspoon Cumin
- 1 teaspoon Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper(freshly ground, or to taste)
- 0.5 cup Pine Nuts(toasted (optional))
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
💡 Tip: Ensure the oven is fully preheated for even cooking. - 2
Rinse the fish inside and out and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels. Make shallow diagonal cuts on the top of each fish.
💡 Tip: Drying the fish well helps the skin crisp up. - 3
In a small bowl, combine the chopped parsley, dill, minced garlic, paprika, cumin, salt, pepper, and toasted pine nuts (if using). Stir in 2 tablespoons of olive oil and the juice of one lemon to create the stuffing mixture.
- 4
Gently stuff the cavity of each fish with the herb and lemon mixture. Place thin slices of the remaining lemon inside the cavity as well.
- 5
Place the stuffed fish on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the fish.
💡 Tip: Ensure the fish are not overcrowded on the baking sheet. - 6
Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the fish.
💡 Tip: You can check for doneness by inserting a thermometer into the thickest part of the fish; it should read 145°F (63°C). - 7
If desired, you can broil the fish for the last 1-2 minutes to achieve a more browned and crispy skin.
💡 Tip: Watch carefully to prevent burning. - 8
Serve hot, with extra lemon wedges if desired.
💡 Tip: This dish pairs well with a fresh Israeli salad or couscous.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using fresh herbs is key to the vibrant flavor of this dish.
- ✓Don't be afraid to adjust the spices to your personal taste.
- ✓If you can't find whole branzino or snapper, a large sea bass or other firm white fish can be used.
🔄 Variations
- Add a tablespoon of silan (date syrup) to the stuffing for a touch of sweetness.
- Incorporate chopped tomatoes or finely diced bell peppers into the stuffing mixture.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the stuffing.