Easy Broiled Whole Fish with Cilantro Cabbage Slaw

Course: Entree

Cuisine: Asian American

Prep Time: 20

Cook Time: 10

Air dry the fish: 30

Total Time: 1

Servings: servings

Calories: 910kcal

Author: Marvellina

This broiled fish with cilantro cabbage slaw is a light yet satisfying meal, offering a delicious contrast of crispy textures and bold, herbaceous flavors.

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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