WHOLE ROASTED MACKEREL

Whole Roasted Mackerel image

Provided by Martha Stewart

Time 35m

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 whole Spanish mackerel (about 2 pounds), cleaned, head and tail left intact
Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1 lemon, thinly sliced
6 sprigs thyme
6 sprigs flat-leaf parsley
12 fresh chives

Steps:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Using a sharp knife, make a few slashes in skin on both sides of fish. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle fish on both sides with oil; season with salt and pepper. Arrange a few lemon slices in cavity, and tuck the rest underneath fish. Tuck a handful of herbs into cavity; coarsely chop remainder and sprinkle over fish. Roast until fish is opaque and cooked through, 20 to 25 minutes.
To serve, use a thin-bladed knife to cut fillet free from top side of fish. Gently transfer fillet to a cutting board with a spatula. Starting from the tail, slowly lift spine to separate it from bottom fillet. Slice each fillet crosswise into three portions; serve.