Savory Whole Roasted Carp - Healthy and Delicious
Nutritional value per serving
Calories350kcal
Carbs5gram
Fat10gram
Protein40gram
Ingredients
- Whole carp (cleaned, scaled and gutted)1 piece
- Olive oil2 tbsp
- Lemon (sliced)1 piece
- Fresh parsley (chopped)2 tbsp
- Garlic cloves (minced)3 cloves
- Salt1 tsp
- Black pepper (freshly ground)0.5 tsp
- Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)1 tbsp
This recipe teaches you how to roast a whole carp in a healthy and delicious way. It's perfect for those who want a nutritious meal with simple ingredients and easy preparation. The total cost of ingredients is approximately $15 USD / €13 / £11 / ₹1100. The dish serves 4 people, with approximately 350 calories per serving. It suits a balanced, healthy diet and is of easy difficulty, taking about 10 minutes to prepare and 45 minutes to cook. Follow the food safety guidelines to ensure your carp is perfectly cooked, safe, and tasty.
Preparation instructions
Preheat oven
1Preheat your oven to 200°C (about 400°F). This hot temperature will help the carp roast evenly and develop a nice golden crust.
Prepare the carp
2Rinse the carp under cold running water and pat dry with paper towels. Make sure it's completely dry to get the best roast. Score the skin on both sides with 2-3 slashes about 1 inch apart to help seasoning penetrate.
Season the fish
3Rub the carp inside and out with olive oil, then season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stuff the cavity of the carp with minced garlic, lemon slices, and fresh herbs like parsley and thyme or rosemary. This will infuse the fish with aroma and flavor.
Place fish on baking tray
4Lay the carp on a baking tray lined with parchment paper or lightly oiled foil. This prevents sticking and helps with easy clean-up.
Roast the carp
5Put the fish in the preheated oven and roast for about 40-45 minutes. Cooking times may vary depending on the size of your fish. The fish is done when the internal temperature (measured at the thickest part) reaches 63°C (145°F), and the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Check cooking progress
6About 35 minutes into roasting, check the fish. If the skin is browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil to prevent burning while allowing the fish to cook through.
Serve
7Once cooked, carefully transfer the carp to a serving platter. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra lemon slices and chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Tips
1Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature accurately for safe consumption.
2Always wash your hands and any utensils or surfaces that come into contact with raw fish to avoid cross-contamination.
3If you can’t find fresh carp, trout or sea bass can be roasted similarly with slight timing adjustments.
4To add extra flavor, try marinating the carp for 30 minutes before roasting with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs.
Equipment Needed
- Oven
- Baking tray or roasting pan
- Meat thermometer (recommended)
- Sharp knife
- Mixing bowl (optional)
- Cooking brush or spoon for oil
- Aluminum foil or parchment paper
Grocery Shopping List
- [ ] Whole carp (about 1.5 - 2 kg) - approx. $10. Choose fresh fish from the seafood counter with clear eyes and fresh smell.
- [ ] Olive oil (extra virgin recommended) - approx. $3 for a small bottle. Pick high-quality for best flavor.
- [ ] Lemon (1) - approx. $0.50. Choose firm, heavy lemons with bright skin.
- [ ] Fresh parsley (small bunch) - approx. $1. Choose vibrant green leaves without wilting.
- [ ] Garlic (1 bulb) - approx. $0.50. Select firm bulbs with no sprouts.
- [ ] Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional) - approx. $1. Use fresh herbs if possible for best aroma.
- [ ] Salt and pepper - assuming pantry staples.
Total Estimated Cost: $15 / €13 / £11 / ₹1100
FAQ
How do I know when the carp is fully cooked?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 63°C (145°F) at the thickest part of the fillet. Additionally, cooked fish flesh should be opaque and should flake easily with a fork.
Can I use a frozen carp?
Yes, but make sure it is fully thawed in the refrigerator before cooking for even roasting and better texture.
What if I don’t have a meat thermometer?
You can check doneness by inserting a fork into the thickest part of the fish. If it flakes easily and the flesh turns opaque, it should be cooked through.
Is it safe to eat carp?
Yes, when cooked properly (reaching the safe internal temperature), carp is safe to eat. Always ensure freshness and proper handling of fish to avoid foodborne illness.