Roasted Slashed Fish with Aromatic Paste

Name: Roasted Slashed Fish with Aromatic Paste
Ingredients: One ¾-to 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, finely grated (about 1 tablespoon); 2 large garlic cloves, finely grated (about 1½ tablespoon); ½ to 1 small, hot red chile, seeded and finely chopped (optional); 1 small shallot, grated (about 2 tablespoons); 1 star anise pod, pounded with a mortar and pestle; Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; One 2-pound whole fish, such as striped bass or branzino, gutted and scaled; Canola oil; 8 bay leaves, preferably fresh