Wasfetna

Grilled fish

A whole scored fish seasoned with garlic, lemon and cumin, grilled in a basket over coals and served with tahini.

Grilled fish
Cooking time
1 hr 40 min
Hands-on time
34 min
Free time
1 hr 5 min
Difficulty
Medium
Calories
450
Contains
Gluten, Sesame, Fish

A whole fish over coals is seafood at its simplest. It's scored to the bone so the marinade reaches the flesh, not just the skin, and grilled in a fish basket, because without one it tears when turned.

Before you start

  • Before you beginRead the steps completely, measure the ingredients, and prepare the tools before turning on the heat or oven.
  • Preheat the grillHeat the grill thoroughly, clean the grill grates, and grease them lightly before placing the food on it.

Ingredients

5people

Amounts follow the number of people

For the marinade

For the fish

For serving

When doubling the quantity, use a wider container, and gradually increase the salt and seasoning after tasting.

Shopping list

Equipment

  • Fish grilling basket — A whole fish sticks and falls apart on the bars; the basket turns it in one piece.
  • Charcoal grill — Medium coals — high heat burns the skin before the bone is done.

Method

  1. Cut diagonal slits in both sides of the fish, all the way to the bone.

    6 min
    You’ll know it’s ready when

    The slashes are clear and reach the bone.

    Tip: Without slashes, the marinade stays on the skin and the meat stays bland.

  2. Rub the marinade into the slashes and the cavity, and put the lemon and parsley in the cavity.

    10 min
    You’ll know it’s ready when

    The marinade is in the slashes and the cavity is stuffed.

  3. Leave it for an hour, then grill it in a grill basket over medium-hot coals.

    1 hr 5 minYou can walk away
    You’ll know it’s ready when

    The skin doesn't stick and the fish turns over in one piece.

    Tip: A grill basket is not a luxury — without it the fish tears through the middle.

  4. Grill it until the meat separates from the bone with a fork, and drizzle it with lemon.

    18 min
    You’ll know it’s ready when

    The meat is white and opaque at the bone.

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