Branzino Recipe (2025)

Ready in just 30 minutes, this branzino recipe delivers a light, flaky, and flavorful fish with a perfectly crispy skin. It’s incredibly simple to prepare, yet packed with fresh Mediterranean flavors that make it a restaurant-quality dish. Serve it with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a healthy, delicious meal any night of the week.

Quick & Easy Branzino Recipe From Scratch

Need a quick and impressive seafood dish? This 100% from-scratch branzino recipe takes just 10 minutes to prep and delivers restaurant-quality results right at home. The fish turns out perfectly tender with a beautifully crisp skin, infused with bright citrus and aromatic herbs. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just craving a light and flavorful meal, this recipe is your go-to.

While many fish recipes can be tricky or require special techniques, this one is simple, foolproof, and incredibly rewarding. The balance of crispy skin and flaky interior makes it a standout dish, and you don’t need any fancy ingredients to achieve that perfect Mediterranean flavor.

This branzino recipe is also highly versatile—whether you grill it, roast it, or pan-sear it, the result is always delicious. Serve it with roasted vegetables, a side of couscous, or a simple lemon-garlic dressing for an effortless yet elegant meal. Once you try it, you’ll never go back to bland, overcooked fish again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This branzino recipe is crafted to be light yet incredibly flavorful, striking the perfect balance between crispy, golden skin and tender, flaky fish. It’s an easy way to enjoy a restaurant-quality dish at home without any complicated techniques.

• Packed with fresh Mediterranean flavors – A simple combination of olive oil, lemon, garlic, and herbs brings out the fish’s natural sweetness without overpowering it.
• Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside – Scoring the fish and roasting it at the right temperature ensures that delightful contrast of textures.
• Surprisingly easy to make – Even if you’ve never cooked whole fish before, don’t worry! This guide on how to cook and eat branzino will walk you through everything you need to know.
• Healthy and nutritious – Branzino is high in protein, low in fat, and packed with omega-3s, making it a great choice for a balanced meal.
• Versatile and adaptable – Whether you roast, grill, or pan-sear it, this recipe works with any cooking method, and you can easily adjust the seasonings to your taste.

Once you try this recipe, it’s bound to become your new go-to for an easy yet elegant seafood dinner!

What Is Branzino?

Branzino, also known as European sea bass or Mediterranean sea bass, is a mild, delicate white fish with a slightly sweet flavor and a wonderfully flaky texture. It’s a staple in Italian and Mediterranean cuisine, often served whole to highlight its natural beauty and enhance its rich taste.

This fish is prized for its thin, edible skin, which crisps up beautifully when roasted, grilled, or pan-seared. Its subtle flavor makes it the perfect canvas for fresh herbs, citrus, garlic, and olive oil, allowing it to absorb Mediterranean-inspired seasonings effortlessly. Whether prepared simply with lemon and salt or dressed up with a flavorful marinade, branzino is always an elegant and delicious choice!

What You Need

There are a few key components to making the perfect branzino recipe: the fish itself, a handful of fresh ingredients for flavor, and a simple cooking method that brings everything together effortlessly.

Ingredients for Branzino Recipe

• Whole branzino – Fresh branzino is the star of this dish. Look for fish with clear eyes, shiny skin, and a mild ocean scent to ensure the best quality. You can use frozen branzino, but be sure to thaw it properly before cooking.
• Olive oil – A high-quality extra virgin olive oil enhances the natural flavors of the fish and helps create a perfectly crispy skin.
• Lemon – Fresh lemon adds brightness and a slight tang, balancing the richness of the fish. It’s used both for seasoning and serving.
• Garlic – Minced or sliced garlic infuses the fish with deep, savory flavor. Roasting it inside the fish brings out its natural sweetness.
• Fresh herbs – Thyme, rosemary, or dill complement the delicate taste of branzino. You can mix and match based on your preference.

Optional Add-Ins for Extra Flavor

• Capers or olives – For a Mediterranean twist, adding capers or chopped olives brings a briny contrast to the dish.
• Chili flakes – A pinch of red pepper flakes gives a subtle heat that pairs beautifully with the lemon and garlic.

Need help choosing the freshest fish? This article on whether branzino is a good fish to eat breaks down everything you should know about selecting high-quality seafood.

OUR TIP: If you’re new to cooking whole fish, don’t be intimidated! Branzino is one of the easiest fish to prepare, and I’ll guide you through every step.

How to Make Branzino Recipe

Making perfectly cooked branzino is easier than you think! Follow these simple steps for a crispy, flavorful fish that’s packed with Mediterranean goodness.

Step 1: Prepare the Fish

• Pat the branzino dry with paper towels—this helps achieve that crispy skin.
• Use a sharp knife to score the skin in a few diagonal slits; this prevents the fish from curling while cooking.
• Season the fish inside and out with salt, black pepper, and olive oil for the best flavor.

Step 2: Add the Seasonings

• Stuff the cavity with sliced garlic, fresh herbs (like rosemary, thyme, or dill), and lemon slices for extra flavor.
• Drizzle a bit more olive oil over the skin to help it crisp up beautifully.

Step 3: Cook the Branzino

• Roasting Method: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and place the fish on a baking sheet. Cook for about 15-20 minutes until the skin is golden and the flesh flakes easily.
• Grilling Method: Preheat a grill to medium-high heat, lightly oil the grates, and grill for about 4-5 minutes per side until the skin is charred and crisp.
• Pan-Searing Method: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, add a drizzle of olive oil, and cook the fish for about 4-5 minutes per side, pressing it gently to ensure even crisping.

Step 4: Check for Doneness

• The flesh should be opaque and flaky when gently tested with a fork.
• The skin should be crisp and golden, not soggy or burned.
• If using a thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 130-135°F (54-57°C).

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

• Drizzle with fresh lemon juice and a bit of extra virgin olive oil before serving.
• Pair with roasted vegetables, couscous, or a fresh Mediterranean salad for a complete meal.
• Garnish with extra herbs and a pinch of flaky sea salt for the perfect finishing touch!

Related: If you love seafood, check out How to Cook and Eat Branzino for more cooking tips!

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best way to cook branzino?

Branzino can be roasted, grilled, or pan-seared, depending on your preference. Roasting is the easiest method, ensuring a crispy skin and tender flesh with minimal effort. Grilling adds a smoky depth of flavor, while pan-searing creates a beautifully golden crust.

Is Branzino a Good Fish to Eat?

Yes! Branzino is light, flaky, and rich in omega-3s, making it a great healthy seafood option. Learn more in this guide on why branzino is a good fish to eat.

Can I make this recipe with another fish?

Yes! If you can’t find branzino, you can substitute it with snapper, sea bass, or trout—just adjust the cooking time based on the size of the fish. These options have a similar mild flavor and delicate texture.

How do I know when branzino is fully cooked?

The fish is done when the flesh easily flakes with a fork and turns opaque. If you’re using a thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 130-135°F (54-57°C). The skin should also be golden and crispy.

Can I cook branzino without an oven?

Absolutely! If you don’t want to roast it, try grilling or pan-searing. For grilling, cook over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side. For pan-searing, heat oil in a pan and cook over medium-high heat until the skin is crispy and the fish is flaky.

What’s the best side dish to serve with branzino?

Branzino pairs well with roasted vegetables, couscous, garlic sautéed spinach, or a fresh Mediterranean salad. A drizzle of lemon butter or a side of tzatziki sauce also complements its flavors beautifully.

This branzino recipe is light, flavorful, and effortlessly elegant—perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Serve it with a fresh salad, roasted veggies, or a side of couscous for a complete Mediterranean feast. 🍋✨

Enjoy! 😋🐟

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