Ingredients:

  • 1 whole fish (about 2-3 pounds), such as snapper, sea bass, or trout, cleaned and scaled
  • 2-3 cups kosher salt (or sea salt)
  • 1 egg white
  • 1/2 cup fresh herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, and parsley), chopped
  • 1 lemon, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for drizzling)
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup water (to adjust salt crust consistency)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Prepare the Fish:
    • Rinse and pat the fish dry with paper towels. Make a few shallow slashes across the fish’s body, then season the inside with a little salt and black pepper. Stuff the cavity of the fish with lemon slices and fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, and parsley).
  3. Make the Salt Crust:
    • In a large bowl, whisk the egg white until it becomes frothy. Gradually add the salt and chopped herbs, mixing until you achieve a wet, sand-like consistency. Add water if necessary to make the mixture more malleable, but avoid it being too runny.
  4. Coat the Fish:
    • On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, place the fish and completely cover it with the salt mixture. Press the salt mixture firmly around the fish, ensuring it’s sealed on all sides. This creates an airtight seal.
  5. Bake the Fish:
    • Bake the fish for 25-35 minutes (depending on the size of the fish), until the salt crust is firm and lightly browned. The fish should be fully cooked and tender inside.
  6. Serve:
    • Once baked, carefully crack open the salt crust at the table using a mallet or a heavy spoon. Remove the salt crust and serve the fish with a drizzle of olive oil and more fresh herbs if desired.

Why This Recipe Works:

This Salt-Crusted Whole Fish recipe uses the salt crust baking technique to lock in moisture, allowing the fish to cook in its own juices while absorbing the herbs and lemon flavor. The result is a tender, aromatic fish with a lightly salted exterior. The dramatic cracking open of the salt crust at the table makes for an impressive presentation, perfect for a special summer dinner or family meal. Enjoy the simplicity of this no-fuss cooking technique that creates a show-stopping dish!