Salt-Crusted Fish

Name: Salt-Crusted Fish
Cook time: P0Y0M0DT0H20M0.000S
Total time: P0Y0M0DT0H50M0.000S
Yield: Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: Three 1- to 1 1/2-pound whole branzinos, gutted and gills removed; 2 lemons, cut into 8 slices each, plus lemon wedges for serving; 6 sprigs fresh thyme; 6 sprigs fresh rosemary; One 3-pound box kosher salt; 5 large egg whites; 2 tablespoons dried thyme

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Level: Intermediate

Total: 50 min
Active: 20 min

Yield: Yield: 6 servings

Level: Intermediate

Total: 50 min
Active: 20 min

Yield: Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

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Three 1- to 1 1/2-pound whole branzinos, gutted and gills removed

2 lemons, cut into 8 slices each, plus lemon wedges for serving

6 sprigs fresh thyme

6 sprigs fresh rosemary

One 3-pound box kosher salt

5 large egg whites

2 tablespoons dried thyme

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Place each branzino on a cutting board. Cut off the top and side fins using scissors. Arrange 3 even piles of the lemon slices, 2 sprigs thyme and 2 sprigs rosemary in a cast-iron skillet large enough to hold all 3 fish (or use smaller cast-iron skillets large enough to hold one fish each). Lay a fish on top of each pile in a standing position so that the open cavity is resting on the lemons, and herbs. Set aside.
Combine the salt, egg whites and dried thyme in a large bowl to form a grainy paste. Press a 1/4-inch layer of the salt mixture onto each fish until they are completely encased.
Place the skillet or skillets in the oven and roast until an instant-read thermometer registers 135 degrees F when inserted into the thickest part of the fish, about 20 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes. Use a large spoon to break open the salt mixture—you will need to apply a little force—and peel the salt layer off.
Serve the fish family-style, with lemon wedges.