Whole Baked Kumu with Herbs

Kumu is one of Hawaii's most prized eating fish and deserves a simple preparation that lets its flavor shine. Baking whole with fresh herbs and lemon is the perfect way to honor this beautiful fish.

Ingredients

• 1 whole Kumu (1.5–2 lbs), scaled and cleaned
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, smashed
• 4 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 1 tsp Hawaiian sea salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup white wine or fish stock

Method

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Score the fish 3 times on each side.
2. Rub fish inside and out with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Stuff the cavity with lemon slices, garlic, thyme, and rosemary.
4. Place in a baking dish, pour wine around the fish, and add remaining lemon slices on top.
5. Bake 20–25 minutes until fish flakes easily and skin is golden.
6. Rest 5 minutes before serving with pan juices spooned over the top.