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This broiled fish with cilantro cabbage slaw is a light yet satisfying meal, offering a delicious contrast of crispy textures and bold, herbaceous flavors.
If this is the first time you plan to cook a whole fish, this is a GREAT recipe to start. Simply because it is so simple and easy. I know cooking a whole fish can be intimidating for most people. I grew up eating whole fish. Filleted fish wasn’t a common thing back then where I grew up. Whole fish is usually cooked and shared in a family style.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Very simple seasoning: the fish is only seasoned with salt but you’ll be surprised by how tasty it is
2. Crispy & flavorful: The broiling technique ensures perfectly crisp skin while keeping the fish moist and tender inside.
3. Healthy & nutritious: Packed with protein, healthy fats, and fresh ingredients, this dish is as wholesome as it is delicious.
4. Bright & refreshing: The cilantro cabbage slaw adds a crunchy, tangy contrast that complements the rich fish beautifully.
5. Easy yet impressive: Despite its gourmet appearance, this recipe is simple to prepare and makes for a stunning presentation.
Easy Broiled Whole Fish with Cilantro Cabbage Slaw
Ingredients
For the fish:
- 1.3 kg whole head-on white fish sea bream, branzino, snapper, seabass
- 2 tsp table salt
- 2 Tbsp oil
- ½ cup cilantro leaves
- 1 inch fresh ginger thinly sliced
Cilantro cabbage slaw:
- 200 g cabbage thinly sliced or use coleslaw mix
- ½ cup cilantro leaves finely chopped
- ¼ cup roasted almond finely chopped
- all-purpose cilantro avocado dressing
Instructions
Prepare the fish:
- Pat the fish dry thoroughly with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving crispy skin during broiling.
- Rub 2 tsp of salt generously over the entire both sides of the fish, including inside the cavity. Stuff the cavity with sliced ginger and fresh cilantro to infuse flavor while cooking.
Air dry the fish:
- Place the fish on a wire rack set over a rimmed broiler-safe pan lined with aluminum foil and refrigerate uncovered for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours. This drying process helps crisp up the skin during broiling.
Prepare the cilantro cabbage slaw:
- Follow this all-purpose cilantro avocado dressing recipe. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced cabbage, chopped cilantro, and roasted almonds
- Toss with the dressing until evenly coated just before serving
Apply oil and broil the fish:
- Rub 2 Tbsp of oil over the entire both sides of the fish, including the cavity
- Preheat the broiler to high, then place the pan with the fish on a lower third rack. Broil for 5-6 minutes until the skin blisters and crisps, then carefully flip and broil for another 5 minutes. Do not walk away during this broiling process. The time is just for reference. The fish may cook faster or longer. Follow the tip below to check for doneness
Check for doneness:
- The fish is done when the flesh flakes easily with a fork, and the skin is golden brown and crispy with some blistering dark spots from the broiling
- Transfer the fish to a serving platter and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
To serve:
- Place the fish on a large platter and serve with the cilantro cabbage slaw. The fish is meant to be shared.
*Nutrition facts are just estimates and calculated using online tools*
What’s the best fish to use
Any white-flesh whole fish such as sea bream, branzino, sea bass, snapper. I saw sea bream at Costco the other day and I got some and it was my first time cooking sea bream and the whole family loved it! The flesh is so smooth and has that clean tasting but slightly sweet. It’s so good!
Will the fish get overcooked by broiling?
No, when you broil the whole fish, the chances of overcooking the fish are less. But of course you don’t want to walk away during the broiling process. You want to check with a fork and flake the fish. If it flakes easily, the fish is done cooking.
Serving suggestions
For a complete meal, serve this dish with steamed jasmine rice, quinoa, or roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes. Garnish the fish with additional fresh cilantro and tuck in.
