Golden Oven-Baked Whole Fish with Sweet Onions & Lemon
Crispy on the outside, tender and flaky on the inside, this oven-baked whole fish is infused with fragrant garlic, warm spices, and fresh lemon. Roasted over a bed of sweet caramelized onions, it’s an easy, flavorful meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special family gatherings.
Ingredients
2 whole fish, cleaned and scaled
2 large onions, thinly sliced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or olive oil)
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
Juice of 1 fresh lemon
Lemon slices, for garnish (optional)
Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
In a small bowl, combine the oil, garlic, salt, black pepper, paprika, cumin, and lemon juice.
Pat the fish dry and make 2–3 shallow slits on each side. Rub the seasoning mixture all over the fish, making sure to coat the inside and the slits.
Spread the sliced onions evenly across the bottom of the baking dish and place the seasoned fish on top.
Cover loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and continue baking for 15–20 minutes, or until the fish is fully cooked and the skin is golden and crispy.
For extra crispiness, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
Garnish with fresh parsley, cilantro, and lemon slices before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with steamed rice, roasted potatoes, fresh salad, or warm crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon just before serving for an extra burst of brightness.
Crispy skin, juicy flaky fish, and sweet roasted onions make this simple recipe a comforting seafood favorite everyone will love!
