Perfect Herb & Lemon Oven-Baked Whole Fish (Easy 30-Minute Dinner)

Name: Perfect Herb & Lemon Oven-Baked Whole Fish (Easy 30-Minute Dinner)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min

Published: 12 Feb 2026

Cooking a whole fish at home might sound intimidating, but it’s actually one of the simplest and most rewarding meals you can make. With just fresh herbs, citrus, and a hot oven, you’ll get flaky, juicy flesh and beautifully crisp skin in under 30 minutes.

The best part? It looks restaurant-worthy on the table but requires minimal prep. Whether you’re planning a cosy family dinner or entertaining guests, this Mediterranean-style roasted whole fish delivers bold, fresh flavour every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ready in 30 minutes Naturally low-carb & high-protein Minimal ingredients Impressive presentation Foolproof cooking method

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Whole Fish

Optional: paprika or chilli flakes for mild heat

1 large whole fish (branzino, sea bass, snapper, or mahi mahi), cleaned and scaled

1–2 tablespoons high-heat cooking oil (refined olive oil, avocado oil, or similar)

2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

1 fresh lemon (half sliced, half for squeezing)

Fresh herbs (thyme, parsley, rosemary, or dill)

Sea salt

Freshly ground black pepper

Step-By-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat the Baking oven to 450°F (230°C) and Cover it with baking sheet lined with Silver foil or parchment paper to make cleaning up afterwards quick and simple.

Prepare the Fish

Gently blot the fish with paper towels until it’s fully dry; removing excess moisture helps the skin crisp nicely while cooking. Using a sharp knife, make shallow diagonal slits across both sides (about 1 inch apart).

Season Generously

Brush the entire fish (inside and out) with oil. Season the fish generously by scattering salt and freshly ground pepper on the outside and inside the cavity to ensure balanced flavour throughout.

Stuff withFlavourr

Place lemon slices, garlic, and fresh herbs inside the cavity.
This infuses the fish from the inside as it roasts.

Roast to Perfection

Roast the fish for about 18 to 22 minutes, adjusting the time slightly based on its size and thickness.

The fish is ready when:

The flesh turns opaque
It flakes easily with a fork
Internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C)

Finish & Serve

Take the fish out of the oven and drizzle freshly squeezed lemon juice over the surface for a bright finishing touch.
Serve immediately while warm.

Pro Tips for Success

✔ Always dry the fish well before oiling
✔ Don’t skip scoring — it ensures even cooking
✔ Avoid overcooking (fish cooks quickly!)
✔ Use sturdy white fish for the best texture
✔ Let it rest 2–3 minutes before serving

Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)

Calories: ~420 kcal
Protein: 40–45g
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 2–3g

Oven-baked whole fish is one of those dishes that feels fancy but couldn’t be simpler. With just lemon, herbs, and proper roasting technique, you’ll achieve tender, flavorful results every time. Once you try this method, it may become your go-to healthy dinner recipe.