Lime-and-Cilantro-Stuffed Black Bass

A fresh and flavorful grilled whole black bass stuffed with aromatic cilantro and lime slices. This simple yet elegant dish yields tender, flaky fish with crispy skin and bright citrus notes.

2 servings
35 min

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 whole black bass
  • 1 to taste kosher salt and pepper
  • 1 bunch cilantro
  • 1 whole lime
  • thinly sliced
  • seeds removed
  • divided

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Prepare grill for medium-high heat; oil grate. Season bass inside and out with salt and pepper. Stuff bass with half of cilantro and half of lime slices; tie closed with kitchen twine, spacing 2" apart (this will hold the stuffing in and make it easier to turn fish on the grill).

    10 min

  2. 2.

    Grill bass undisturbed until skin is charred and crisp and flesh of bottom fillet is flaky and opaque, 6-10 minutes, depending on size of fish.

    10 min

  3. 3.

    Place a metal spatula underneath bass and brace with tongs on top for support, then lift and gently roll it over onto the other side. Cook until flesh of other fillet is flaky and opaque, 6-10 minutes. If a small knife or a tester slides easily into the thickest part of flesh, fish is done.

    10 min

  4. 4.

    Line a platter with remaining cilantro and lime slices. Place bass on top and remove twine. (Or transfer to a cutting board if you want to fillet first.)

    5 min

Recommended to use Recipe Notes to manage your recipes