Description
This easy branzino recipe delivers tender, flaky fish with perfectly crispy skin, infused with lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a restaurant-quality dish you can make at home. Whether you roast, grill, or pan-sear it, this Mediterranean-inspired recipe is packed with flavor and pairs beautifully with light sides like roasted vegetables or couscous.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 whole branzino, cleaned and scaled
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 lemons (1 sliced, 1 juiced)
- 4 garlic cloves, smashed
- 4 sprigs fresh rosemary or thyme
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Pat the branzino dry with paper towels. Using a sharp knife, make three diagonal cuts across each side of the fish to help with even cooking.
- Season generously with olive oil, salt, and black pepper, rubbing both the inside and outside of the fish. Stuff the cavity with lemon slices, garlic cloves, and fresh herbs.
- Roast the fish for 20–25 minutes, or until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. For extra crispy skin, broil for the last 2–3 minutes, watching closely.
- Serve immediately, drizzling with fresh lemon juice and a little more olive oil. Pair with roasted vegetables, couscous, or a light salad.
Notes
- For grilling: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates and grill for 4–5 minutes per side, until the skin is crispy and the fish is cooked through.
- For pan-searing: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the fish for 4–5 minutes per side, pressing lightly to ensure even crisping.
- To check doneness: The fish is ready when the flesh flakes easily and reaches an internal temperature of 130-135°F (54-57°C).
- For extra flavor: Add a splash of white wine before roasting or top with a caper-olive relish when serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Roasting (with grilling and pan-searing variations)
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 whole fish
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: branzino recipe