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Grilled Whole Fish with Citrus

Name: Grilled Whole Fish with Citrus
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1 whole fish (2-3 lb), scaled and gutted (snapper, parrotfish or sea bass); 2 limes, juiced and zested (plus extra wedges, to serve); 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp sea salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp coconut oil or butter; 1 red chilli, thinly sliced (optional); Fresh coriander (cilantro) or parsley, for garnish

Grilled whole fish recipe — a Pacific reef fish rubbed with lime, garlic and sea salt, grilled over coals until smoky and flaky, the classic island feast.

⏱ 15 minPrep time

🔥 30 minCook time

🍽 4Servings

🏷 DinnerCategory

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Grilling whole fish over open coals is one of the Pacific’s oldest and most universal meals. From beachside fire pits to backyard Sunday gatherings, a whole snapper or reef fish seasoned simply with lime, salt and garlic is the dish that celebrates the ocean’s bounty.

Cooking the fish whole keeps it impossibly juicy, and the smoky char against bright citrus is unbeatable. Serve it with coconut rice, roasted breadfruit or a squeeze of fresh lime.

Pacific Islander recipes →

Step by stepInstructions

Score the fish 3-4 times on each side with a sharp knife.
Mix the lime juice and zest, garlic, salt, pepper and coconut oil into a paste. Rub it all over the fish, working it into the scores and cavity.
Let the fish sit for 15-20 minutes while the grill heats to medium.
Oil the grill grate and place the fish on it. Grill for 8-10 minutes per side, turning once, until the flesh flakes easily.
Transfer to a platter, scatter with chilli and herbs, and serve with lime wedges.

💡 Chef tips & storage

A fish basket or well-oiled grate makes turning the fish easy without it sticking or breaking. The fish is done when the flesh at the thickest part flakes with a fork.

Recipe details

Prep15 min

Cook30 min

Servings4

CategoryDinner

PublishedAugust 17, 2026

Hi, I'm Emily 🧡

Hi, I'm Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes. Simple, tested comfort food for real weeknights, written down the way grandma would. Pull up a chair. More about me →

Grilled Whole Fish with Citrus

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Hi, I'm Emily 🧡

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Grilled Whole Fish with Citrus

Step by stepInstructions

💡 Chef tips & storage

Rate this recipe

Recipe details

Hi, I'm Emily 🧡

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