Whole Fish, Simply: An Easy Oven-Roasted Recipe

Why cooking whole fish is easier than you think

Cooking a whole fish can feel intimidating, but it’s actually one of the easiest and most forgiving ways to prepare fish at home. With just a few good ingredients and the right knife, it comes together quickly and delivers restaurant-level results with minimal effort.

For this recipe, the most important tool is a sharp, well-balanced utility knife. A blade that’s precise enough to score the fish, slice aromatics, and handle detail work makes the entire process feel simple instead of stressful.

The knife that does the work

This recipe was developed using the SEKKIN Pulse Utility Knife. Its size and control make it ideal for whole fish preparation — from slicing garlic and lemons to scoring the skin cleanly and safely. Unlike larger chef’s knives, a utility knife gives you accuracy where it matters most.

Ingredients

• 2 tomatoes, quartered
• 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 4 cloves garlic, sliced
• Salt & freshly ground black pepper
• 1 large whole fish (1–2 lb), cleaned
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 4–6 sprigs fresh thyme

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 450°F.
2. In a bowl, combine the tomatoes, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, red wine vinegar, half of the sliced garlic, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Set aside to marinate while you prepare the fish.
3. Using a sharp utility knife, lightly score the fish on both sides. Season inside and out with the remaining olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stuff the cavity with the remaining garlic, lemon slices, and thyme.
4. Place the fish on a baking sheet or roasting pan and roast for about 20 minutes, until the flesh flakes easily and the skin is lightly crisp.
5. Transfer the fish to a serving platter and spoon the marinated tomatoes over the top just before serving.

Why a utility knife matters for whole fish

Whole fish requires control more than power. A utility knife allows you to work close to the bone, make clean, shallow cuts, and handle delicate ingredients without tearing the flesh. It’s one of the most versatile knives in a home kitchen — and often the one people reach for most once they start using it intentionally.

If you’re looking for a knife that makes recipes like this feel approachable, the SEKKIN Pulse Utility Knife is designed exactly for that.