Herb-Infused Roasted Striped Bass with Zesty Salmoriglio Sauce
Celebrate the flavors of the Chesapeake with this exquisite dish of roasted whole striped bass, revered in Maryland as rockfish. Inspired by the culinary artistry of Chef Chris Cosentino from Incanto, this recipe transforms a fresh catch into a feast for the senses. The fish is baked to tender perfection, nestled atop fragrant herbs, bay leaves, and zesty onion, while a vibrant salmoriglio sauce—featuring bright herbs and citrus—provides a refreshing contrast. Ideal for special occasions or a charming family dinner, this dish showcases the natural taste of the fish, enhanced by the herbal notes and tangy lemon, ensuring every bite is an unforgettable experience.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Thyme leaves
1/4 cup (Coarsely chopped (stems reserved))
Oregano leaves
1/4 cup (Coarsely chopped (stems reserved))
Fresh parsley leaves
1 cup (Coarsely chopped (stems reserved))
Garlic cloves
2 (Passed through a garlic press or mashed)
Extra virgin olive oil
1 cup (Divided for salmoriglio and drizzling)
Lemon
1 (Zest of and 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice)
Salt
to taste
Black pepper
to taste (Freshly ground)
Striped bass
1 (5 lb) (Cleaned)
Fresh thyme sprigs
4
Fresh oregano sprigs
4
Fresh parsley sprigs
4
Bay leaves
8
Garlic cloves
4 (Crushed)
Lemon
1 (Thinly sliced)
Red onion
1 medium (Sliced in 1/4-inch rings)
Instructions
1
Prepare the salmoriglio sauce by combining the chopped thyme, oregano, parsley, garlic, extra virgin olive oil, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice in a mixing bowl. Stir gently to combine and refrigerate until ready to serve to allow the flavors to meld.
2
Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C). Lightly grease a large baking sheet with extra virgin olive oil to prevent sticking.
3
Gently rinse the striped bass under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Trim any fins as needed to ensure even cooking.
4
On the greased baking sheet, scatter the reserved herb stems, bay leaves, and crushed garlic cloves to create a flavorful bed for the fish.
5
Arrange lemon slices down the center of the baking sheet, and reserve one slice for later use. Layer half of the red onion slices over the lemon slices.
6
Carefully place the cleaned striped bass over the onion bed. Generously season the fish inside and out with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Place the remaining onion slices on top of the fish.
7
Drizzle the fish with additional extra virgin olive oil and place the reserved lemon slice on top. Cover the entire baking sheet with aluminum foil to lock in moisture.
8
Roast in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
9
Once cooked, carefully remove the fish from the oven, uncover, and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Gently transfer the fish to a serving platter and present whole for an impressive display. Serve with the chilled salmoriglio sauce on the side for drizzling.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Herb-Infused Roasted Striped Bass?
It is an exquisite dish of whole roasted striped bass, also known as rockfish, served with a zesty salmoriglio sauce featuring herbs and citrus.
What is another name for striped bass in Maryland?
In Maryland, striped bass is revered and commonly known as rockfish.
Who inspired the creation of this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the culinary artistry of Chef Chris Cosentino from Incanto.
What is salmoriglio sauce?
Salmoriglio is a vibrant, refreshing sauce made with bright herbs like thyme, oregano, and parsley, combined with garlic, olive oil, and lemon.
How do I prepare the salmoriglio sauce?
Combine chopped thyme, oregano, parsley, garlic, olive oil, lemon zest, and juice in a bowl, then refrigerate to let the flavors meld.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 500°F (260°C) for roasting the striped bass.
How long does it take to roast the striped bass?
The fish should be roasted for approximately 20 minutes, or until it flakes easily with a fork.
What size striped bass does this recipe call for?
The recipe requires one 5-pound cleaned striped bass.
How should the baking sheet be prepared?
Lightly grease a large baking sheet with extra virgin olive oil and create a bed of herb stems, bay leaves, garlic, lemon, and red onion.
Why should I cover the fish with aluminum foil?
The fish is covered with aluminum foil to lock in moisture during the roasting process.
How do I know when the fish is cooked through?
The fish is done when it is tender and the flesh flakes easily when tested with a fork.
What herbs are used in the salmoriglio sauce?
The sauce uses 1/4 cup each of thyme and oregano leaves, and 1 cup of fresh parsley leaves.
Should I rinse the striped bass before cooking?
Yes, gently rinse the fish under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels before seasoning.
What should I do with the herb stems?
Reserve the herb stems from the thyme, oregano, and parsley to scatter on the baking sheet as part of the flavor bed.
How is the garlic prepared for the sauce versus the roasting bed?
Garlic for the sauce is pressed or mashed, while garlic for the roasting bed is simply crushed.
What kind of onion is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses one medium red onion, sliced into 1/4-inch rings.
How many bay leaves are required?
You will need 8 bay leaves to create the flavorful bed for the fish.
Is the salmoriglio sauce served hot or cold?
The salmoriglio sauce is chilled and served on the side for drizzling over the roasted fish.
How should the fish be presented for serving?
The fish should be presented whole on a serving platter for an impressive display.
Should the fish rest after it comes out of the oven?
Yes, let the fish rest for a few minutes after uncovering it and before transferring it to a serving platter.
What seasoning is used on the fish?
The fish is seasoned generously inside and out with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
What are the primary flavor profiles of this dish?
The dish features natural fish flavors enhanced by herbal notes, tangy lemon, and zesty garlic.
What is the total estimated time to prepare and cook this dish?
Based on the recipe tags, the total time required is approximately 50 minutes.
Is this recipe suitable for special occasions?
Yes, it is ideal for special occasions or a charming family dinner due to its impressive presentation.
What kind of olive oil should be used?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for both the salmoriglio sauce and for drizzling over the fish.
How is the lemon used in the roasting process?
Thinly sliced lemon is placed under the fish, and one reserved slice is placed on top of the fish before roasting.
What category of food does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is a Mediterranean-style main course featuring seafood.
Does the recipe require trimming the fish?
Yes, you should trim any fins as needed to ensure the striped bass cooks evenly.
How much lemon juice is needed for the sauce?
The salmoriglio sauce requires 1/2 cup of fresh lemon juice.
Is this a difficult recipe to make?
No, the recipe is tagged as easy, making it accessible for home cooks.