How to roast a whole hake

A whole roast hake makes a fantastic centrepiece to a table. This delicate fish is great at absorbing flavours, so stuff the cavity with delicate aromatic flavours such as fennel, lemon and thyme. The flesh of a whole hake should be slashed a few times to ensure even cooking.

Method

1

Preheat the oven to 180°C/gas mark 4

2

Prepare the fish and stuff with aromatics of your choice. Slash the skin a few times, season well and rub with a little oil

3

Add the fish to a roasting tray and bake for around 18-20 minutes, depending on the size of the fish

4

To check if the fish is cooked, remove from the oven and insert a knife along the backbone of the fish - the flesh should start to lift away from the bone with ease.