Ingredients

• 2 x 2 lb whole sea bass, scaled and gutted, gills and fins removed
• Charmoula
• 5 garlic cloves, halved
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 heaping tsp paprika
• 1 tsp cumin seeds, toasted and ground
• 1 ½ cups fresh cilantro, coarsely chopped
• ½ cup fresh parsley leaves, coarsely chopped
• ¼ cup olive oil
• (Makes about ¾ cup)
• Special Tools:
• Food processor
• Fish basket

Directions

1. Charmoula (make ahead)
2. Using a food processor, chop garlic. Scrape down sides, then add lemon juice, paprika and cumin. Pulse a few times to combine. Add herbs and pulse a few more times to make a coarse puree. Scrape the sides, turn the processor on and add oil in a steady stream.
3. Transfer sauce to a bowl. (Tightly covered and refrigerated, charmoula will keep for up to 1 week, though the bright color will fade.)
4. Grilling
5. Trim tails with scissors (they’ll burn on the grill).
6. Make several shallow cuts through the skin on both sides of the fish.
7. Put fish in a large glass baking dish and slather liberally with charmoula. Pack the rest of the charmoula into the cavities. Let the fish marinate in the fridge for at least 5 hours and up to 8 hours.
8. Prepare your grill by getting the coals hot, then set the grate about 4” above and allow it to heat.
9. Brush the fish basket with oil and place fish inside. Grill for 5 min, then turn and grill for another 5 min. Insert a thin knife or a metal skewer into the thickest part of the fish and leave it for 30 seconds. When removed, the tip should feel warm on the inside of your wrist. If not, grill for another minute.
10. Let fish rest for 10 min before filleting and serving.